At Serco, we unite the right people, technology, and partners to solve some of the world's most pressing and complex challenges. From defence and space to healthcare, justice, transport and beyond, our UK operations deliver critical services across government sectors—driven by expertise in service design, programme management, engineering, and more.
About the role
As a Supplier Relationship Manager, you'll take ownership of key IT vendor relationships, ensuring they meet both business needs and contractual commitments. Working closely with Heads of Product, Standard Service, and Operational teams, you’ll help drive performance, identify commercial opportunities, and enhance service delivery. This role is pivotal in optimising supplier value, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening Serco’s competitive and commercial position.
Key Accountabilities
1. Own and manage strategic IT supplier relationships, ensuring delivery against contractual obligations and alignment with business objectives.
2. Work with Procurement and Legal to monitor, analyse, and enhance commercial agreements, driving value and mitigating risk.
3. Lead supplier selection, onboarding, and transition activities, ensuring smooth integration into the IT supply chain.
4. Collaborate with internal IT teams to fully leverage contracts and optimise supplier performance across services and products.
5. Drive continuous improvement and innovation through supplier engagement, including chairing forums and supporting business case development.
6. Manage high-value, multi-regional supplier agreements and renewals, ensuring commercial effectiveness and scalability.
7. Proactively address performance issues and conflicts, acting as a mediator to maintain productive and effective supplier relationships.
Skills & Experience
8. Proven expertise in IT Supplier and Category Management, with strong procurement and contract negotiation skills across complex, high-value agreements.
9. Deep understanding of IT operations within an ITIL framework and the wider IT technical landscape.
10. Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and lead supplier management frameworks, including onboarding, performance reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
11. Skilled in conducting due diligence, risk assessments, RFx processes, and contract lifecycle management to drive commercial value and mitigate risk.
12. Strong analytical mindset with the ability to generate insights from supplier performance and financial data to inform decision-making.
13. Confident stakeholder manager and effective communicator, capable of influencing at all levels, mediating conflicts, and leading cross-functional initiatives.
14. Committed team player with a high moral compass, known for professionalism, coaching others, and championing Serco’s values in all interactions.
Why Serco:
Serco’s purpose is to impact a better future - we bring together the right people, the right technology, and the right partners to create innovative solutions that deliver positive impact and address some of the most urgent and complex challenges facing governments globally. Our services are powered by more than, colleagues working across multiple sectors including defence, space, migration, justice, healthcare, transport, and customer services in four regions: UK & Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East.
In this position, your work is vital to the business, in terms of decisions and growth. You will gain a world of opportunity working for a globally operating business delivering essential services across 5 vital sectors, personal growth, achievement, and development won’t be hard to find. You'll also work with great people. You’ll find yourself working in a highly motivated, supportive environment where no two days are the same, with experienced colleagues who strive for excellence.
What we offer:
15. days annual leave plus bank holidays.
16. Annual leave purchase scheme.
17. Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
18. Flexible working options.
19. Free onsite parking.
20. Serco discounts which include cinema, merlin entertainment and online shopping discounts, and discounts on mobile phone plans and leisure centre memberships.
21. A range of benefits to support the health and wellbeing of you and your family such as Employee Assistance Programme, Health Cash Plans, free flu jabs and more.
22. A wealth of career development training to suit your future aspirations. These range from role specific training, leadership coaching, formal study and much more to support you to build your career with Serco.
23. A safe and supportive culture.
24. A company passionate about diversity and inclusion.
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