Supplier Relationship Manager

Description:

Cambridgeshire Constabulary, in collaboration with the 7 Forces Commercial Services, is seeking a Supplier Relationship Manager to oversee commercial relationships and procurement for Operations and Community Services across seven police forces in the East of England (Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, and Suffolk). This team manages a combined third-party spend of approximately £250 million per year, making it the second largest police procurement collective in the UK after the Metropolitan Police.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and manage relationships with a portfolio of strategic suppliers to ensure value for money.

• Lead or support complex commercial negotiations with key suppliers.

• Promote innovation and ensure best value is achieved.

• Enforce sanctions for poor supplier performance and assist in defending forces from contractual claims.

• Align procurement solutions with customer needs and provide strategic input across category markets.

• Influence and engage internal stakeholders and external organisations effectively.

• Drive change and develop an integrated commercial and contract management function across the seven forces.

Required Skills & Expertise:

• Strong analytical, organisational, time management, and project management skills.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, influencing, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to travel as required across the UK.

• In-depth knowledge of current contract law and EU Public Procurement Regulations.

• MCIPS Level 6 or equivalent experience in public sector procurement.

Additional Information & Benefits:

• Flexible base location within any of the seven forces.

• Required vetting: Management MV and Security Clearance (3–5 years UK residency required).

• Applications from internal ‘at risk’ staff will be prioritised.