Vendor Manager

Base location: Reading with the option of hybrid working 2/3 days per week

Salary: to £65k dep on experience + performance related bonus + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances, and wellbeing

Working Pattern: Permanent Full time with the option of hybrid working

What is the Role?

The Vendor Manager working within the Commercial Team reporting to the Vendor Management Lead, is responsible for managing the relationships with key strategic vendors.

The role will own all aspects of the Vendor relationship including;

• Having a clear understanding of the products and services offered by each vendor.
• An understanding of the services provided to Neos by each vendor.
• An overview of business requirements that will allow the development of a strategy to deliver best value from our supply chain.
• Responsibility for the commercial interface with our vendors, understanding and communicating internally changes in pricing and their impact to products and services,
• Management of overall spend with the supplier.
• Being the main point of contact for the business for any information or queries relating to the vendors being managed.
• Having a solid understanding of the contracts we have in place with our vendors and ensuring that services provided by the vendor remain in line with the agreed terms and conditions of contract.
• Being able to advise the business on which renewal options provide best value –, for example rolling auto renewal or revised contract.
• Have an understanding of the market rates for services and be able to identify areas where Neos could obtain a better deal, allowing us to challenge our supply chain either directly or by changing how we do things.
• Understand and enforce key terms of services provided i.e., Expiry dates, SLA’s, KPI’s, RPI, price changes, escalations.
• Provide commercial support to operational teams on vendor performance and in service reviews.

What do I need?

Good written and verbal communication skills, having the ability to present information in a structured and professional manner.

Stakeholder Management skills - The ability to build effective relationships with vendors and internal stakeholders in the Commercial, Finance and Operational functions. The ability to liaise with the various teams across the business to ensure requirements are captured and Vendors are managed to deliver the appropriate outcomes. Experience of contract management and measurement of SLA performance and KPI’s.

Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, Word, Excel and Powerpoint.

What will I do?

Develop & maintain strong relationships with Vendors and Stakeholders within Neos Networks. Manage Vendors to optimise the cost benefit to Neos ensuring that they are performing to the required standards. Develop strategies to reduce Neos cost base, capturing any opportunity where we can consolidate costs to obtain better pricing.

Own negotiations with suppliers to maintain competitive pricing. Understand the cost of products being provided by your Vendors, what our annual spend is with each and whether this is in line with the market for the products we buy.

Provide support and guidance to the wider Commercial, Operational and Finance teams on cost and contract issues. Ensure both internal and external supplier queries are dealt with quickly and efficiently.

Next Steps

All applications should be submitted online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome. Should you need any further assistance please contact careers@neosnetworks.com