Strategic Supplier Manager - Technology

Strategic Supplier Manager - Technology

Permanent

Manchester £58,000 - £68,000 / Milton Keynes £61,000 - £71,000

Hybrid

Purpose

The purpose of this role is to own, actively manage and evolve AQA's strategic 3rd party technology partner relationships, such as Avanade, to ensure AQA can cost-effectively deliver and optimise its use of assessment and education technologies to meet current and future business needs.

Landscape:

As AQA seeks to enhance and diversify its portfolio of assessment technology products and services to customers, there are increasing demands to develop and implement a broad and complex portfolio of interconnected projects and technology solutions. These are delivered through a combination of in-house and 3rd party suppliers, which require careful management.

Activities:

• Proactive management of all 3rd party strategic technology suppliers, ensuring delivery of services to required level of quality and achievement of all KPIs
• Oversight of Strategic Supplier service delivery against roadmap and technology service levels, to ensure quality and value for money on behalf of both Assessment technology, and Enterprise Technology functions
• Define operational performance standards and monitor and report on the performance and quality of service provision to internal stakeholders, proactively managing identified issues and risks to delivery performance
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction are delivered through effective and customer-focused IT services
• Active stakeholder management to collaboratively engage and also challenge stakeholders/ suppliers of all levels, both internal and 3rd party
• Act as escalation point for issues, including any major incidents etc

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience of supplier relationship management and working with 3rd party delivery partners to ensure optimal outcomes
• Strong understanding of technology supplier management including commercial agreements, financial budgeting and commercial due diligence
• Excellent communication skills, able to challenge, negotiate with and influence stakeholders at all levels to achieve desired outcomes
• Able to resolve issues proactively and pragmatically through cross organisational working
• Business case management
• Experience of technology supplier and account management
• Contract management, oversight and reporting

What's in it for you:

At AQA we recognise our employees' contribution and in return we are proud to offer an extensive reward and benefit package.

This includes:

• 25 days' annual leave rising to 30 days with service, plus all Bank Holidays and additional Christmas office closure
• Flexible working environment and professional and personal development at your fingertips.
• 35 hour working week
• Excellent contributory pension (6% - 11.5% dependent on employee contribution)
• Life assurance, BUPA PMI and Health Cash Plan
• Enhanced maternity/paternity scheme

What next?

If the role looks of interest and you would like to apply, please do so via our portal. Every application will be provided with a written response!

We are reviewing applications as they come through and reserve the right to close this role early.