Head of Supplier Relationship Management
Posted 1 week ago by Totaljobs
£751 Per day
Inside
Hybrid
London; City of London; East London; Central London; South East London; West London; Canary Wharf; South West London; North London; Greenwich; Stratford
Summary: The Head of Supplier Management role involves leading strategic supplier relationships within a complex digital and technology landscape in central government. This position requires strong engagement with senior stakeholders and the ability to influence supplier strategy and governance. The role is hybrid, requiring flexibility for on-site work in London or Manchester. Candidates must possess a strong background in supplier management and relationship management, with excellent communication skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage strategic supplier relationships across industry and government
- Engage with senior stakeholders, including commercial functions and leadership teams
- Support supplier strategy, governance, and engagement frameworks
- Translate complex commercial and strategic information into clear communications and briefings
- Navigate highly complex stakeholder environments with confidence and professionalism
- Contribute to the development of long-term, strategic partnerships
- Operate flexibly within a fast-paced and evolving environment
Key Skills:
- Strong background in supplier management, strategic partnerships, or relationship management
- Experience working with senior stakeholders across public and/or private sectors
- Demonstrable commercial awareness and strategic thinking
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Politically astute, with the ability to navigate complex organisational environments
- Proven ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and external partners
- Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable working with ambiguous or evolving processes
Salary (Rate): £750 per day
City: London
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: inside IR35
Seniority Level: Senior
Industry: Other
description: Head of Supplier Management
Rate: £700-£750 per day (Inside IR35)
Duration: 6 months
Clearance: Active SC (or recently lapsed and transferable)
Location: London preferred (Manchester considered with regular London travel)
Working Pattern: Hybrid - typically 2-3 days onsite (flexibility required)
Overview
We are recruiting for two senior Head of Supplier Management roles supporting strategic supplier engagement across a large-scale, complex digital and technology landscape within central government.
These are highly visible, relationship-led positions, operating at the intersection of major technology suppliers, senior government stakeholders, and commercial teams. You will play a key role in shaping supplier strategy, influencing senior decision-makers, and driving how organisations engage with strategic partners across the digital ecosystem.
Role Focus Areas
Strategic Technology & Supplier Relationships
Managing and developing relationships with global technology providers and strategic suppliers, supporting engagement models, governance, and long-term partnership strategy.
SME & Emerging Technology Ecosystem
Driving engagement with SMEs, scale-ups, and emerging technology organisations, supporting the development of a diverse and innovative supplier base.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage strategic supplier relationships across industry and government
- Engage with senior stakeholders, including commercial functions and leadership teams
- Support supplier strategy, governance, and engagement frameworks
- Translate complex commercial and strategic information into clear communications and briefings
- Navigate highly complex stakeholder environments with confidence and professionalism
- Contribute to the development of long-term, strategic partnerships
- Operate flexibly within a fast-paced and evolving environment
Experience Required
- Strong background in supplier management, strategic partnerships, or relationship management
- Experience working with senior stakeholders across public and/or private sectors
- Demonstrable commercial awareness and strategic thinking
- Excellent communication and influencing skills
- Politically astute, with the ability to navigate complex organisational environments
- Proven ability to build credibility and trust with senior leaders and external partners
- Adaptable, proactive, and comfortable working with ambiguous or evolving processes