Contract & Supplier Relationship Manager

A dynamic local government organisation is seeking a Contract & Supplier Relationship Manager to manage a portfolio of critical contracts and supplier relationships, driving value, performance and continuous improvement across a diverse range of services such as; HR, IT, Finance, Fleet, FM and Consultancy.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-performing, supportive local government procurement setup. Alongside a generous public sector package (30 days annual leave + Bank Holidays + volunteering), LGPS pension scheme and the ability to WFH 4 days per week, with an office presence in Chichester required just 1 day per week.

The Contract & Supplier Relationship Manager will play a key role in ensuring contracts deliver against business objectives, service requirements and value-for-money targets. Working closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers and senior leadership, you will lead contract management activities, develop supplier relationships, implement governance controls and drive improved performance across strategically important contracts such as; HR, IT, Finance, Fleet, FM and Consultancy.

Specific duties of the Contract & Supplier Relationship Manager include:

Manage a portfolio of strategic contracts, ensuring commercial and service obligations are achieved. Lead supplier relationship management activities, driving performance improvement and value creation. Develop and implement contract management strategies to optimise cost, quality, delivery and supplier effectiveness. Establish and monitor contract governance, performance measures and reporting frameworks. Identify, assess and mitigate contractual, commercial and operational risks. Manage contractual changes, ensuring appropriate control, compliance and alignment with business objectives. Develop business cases to support contract renewals, re-procurement activities and service transformation initiatives. Produce performance insights and recommendations for senior stakeholders, ensuring compliance with contractual, governance and audit requirements.

Contract & Supplier Relationship Manager applicants should meet the following criteria:

Experience in Contract Management, Supplier Relationship Management, Commercial Management or a similar post-award commercial role. Proven track record of managing complex, high-value or business-critical contracts and supplier relationships. Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate at multiple organisational levels. Experience delivering supplier performance improvement initiatives and managing strategic supplier relationships. Experience in risk management, governance, change management and contract compliance activities. Commercially astute with strong negotiation and influencing skills. MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS would be advantageous