Step Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager

Overview of Responsibilities

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As STEP Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager, you will play a pivotal role in and will be directly responsible for managing a range of Strategic Suppliers to the STEP programme and ensuring that supplier performance delivers best value to United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and UK Industrial Fusion Solutions Ltd. (UKIFS).The post holder will be responsible for delivering the contract management and Supplier Relationship management strategies for UKIFS. There will also be an element of overseeing any remaining sourcing activity, including compliance when it is operational. There will also be an element of overseeing any remaining sourcing activity, including compliance to UKAEA and government policy and Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015). The post holder will be required to collaborate with the UKAEA Supply Chain team to ensure that developed Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) best practice is implemented where appropriate. They will also represent STEP / UKIFS at the Cabinet Office communities of practice for Supplier Relationship management and liaise with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero commercial team. They will initially be responsible for a small number of direct reports; however the number of direct reports is likely to increase when the role transfers into UKIFS. The post holder will however be required to monitor and manage the performance of c. 9 consultants.

The post holder will be required to complete the Government Commercial Function Contract Management Training to Expert level within the first 12 months of appointment.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Responsible for negotiating with the relevant parties including external companies to arrive at appropriate commercial agreements.
• Ensuring delivery of contracts to time, cost and quality.
• Lead supplier negotiations for work package placement.
• Review and approve cost breakdowns and approve the placement of work packages.
• Lead regular meetings with suppliers to discuss and review supplier performance and drive innovation.
• Lead effective stakeholder management to ensure buy in with the contract management strategy for STEP partner contracts.
• Holding suppliers to account to ensure they meet their obligations under the contract.
• Evaluation of reports and deliverables to ensure project and commercial compliance with the contract and approver of related invoice payment.
• Provide key reports and support effective governance and decision making.
• Advisor to programme executive and programme board on contractual performance and risk management.

Qualifications

Essential Requirements:

• The post holder will be required to complete the Government Commercial Function Contract Management Training to Expert level within the first 12 months of appointment.
• Demonstrable expertise and experience to act as the lead expert for Supplier Relationship Management.
• Deep understanding of contractual and financial management principles.
• A dynamic and inspirational leader who can motivate others effectively.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to   foster excellent working relationships and practices that enable various internal stakeholders to meet their goals and objectives.
• Qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS)
• Good negotiation skills with some understanding of NEC form of Contract and Commercially astute.
• Ability to influence various stakeholders.
• Good procurement strategic knowledge and experience.
• Experience of Public Sector Procurement and understanding of Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).
• Demonstrable experience in Contract Management.