Head of Supplier Engagement - Utilities - Inside IR35

Do you want to be part of the UK's transformation programme for it's Carbon Neutral/net zero future? we are looking for a dynamic and passionate individual to work as Head of Supplier Engagement, responsible for ensuring that the organisation becomes a customer of choice for their critical suppliers, enabling better leverage on supplier relationships to support strategic objectives. You will ideally come from a construction/infrastructure and/or Utilities/CAPEX background and have worked on high value supplier management on major transformation projects. You will be used to working in a fast paced, change environment, managing step change along the way, with both internal and external stakeholders. Please note this is not an IT Vendor Manager role.

Key Skills -

• Develop and execute the Supplier Relationship Management strategy in partnership with category teams.
• Define supplier and contract management approach, as a Centre of Excellence, for all suppliers based on rigorous segmentation (e.g., based on spend, criticality).
• Support global and regional management teams in appropriate commercial strategies, assessing contract risks, executing mitigation plans and building effective partnerships with vendors that ensures opportunities to drive value are leveraged.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through the digitalisation and automation of the contract management process. Lead the implementation of such initiatives on behalf of the wider Procurement function and ensure a consistent contract management process is adhered to.
• Regularly re-assess and update segmentation ensuring that our approach evolves as the supplier dynamics evolve.
• Define tools, standards, and methodology for demand forecasting to support Business Partners; consolidate groupwide demand forecast.
• Provide supplier insight and use as the basis for appropriate action planning to continuously improve the perception, with the goal of becoming a 'Client of Choice'.
• Facilitate, mediate, and provide recommendations on path forward when category/Business Unit priorities conflict - including escalating to relevant stakeholders with Procurement.
• Coordinate & facilitate stakeholder engagements (e.g., forums, workshops) with strategic suppliers across Business Units and category teams.
• Proven experience in procurement & supply chain transformation projects
• Designing, implementing, and managing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for supplier risk management.
• Prior experience in the energy/utilities sector/petrochem
• Background in capital expenditure procurement projects
• Excellent understanding of supplier risk management principles, methodologies, and best practices.
• Familiarity with relevant industry standards, regulations, and frameworks related to supplier risk management in the energy sector.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess and mitigate supplier-related risks effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to influence senior stakeholders to take action.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Key responsibilities -

• Monitor and evaluate supplier performance and compliance with contractual obligations and service level agreements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement, legal, and compliance, to ensure the integration of supplier risk management practices into overall organizational processes.
• Conduct thorough supplier risk assessments, evaluating financial stability and compliance with regulations
• Stay updated on industry trends, emerging risks, and regulatory changes related to supplier risk management in the energy sector.
• Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on new processes, procedures, and best practices.
• Develop comprehensive supplier strategies for strategic suppliers building in perspectives from other teams (e.g., Sustainability, Supply Chain Risk) and aligning with business priorities.
• Lead a highly motivated, innovative, and value-focused team, developing talent and a performance management culture that drives value through employee engagement which successfully meets or exceeds all strategic objectives for the area.