The Role
The Supplier Management Lead is responsible for establishing, maintaining, and optimising relationships with suppliers to ensure the delivery of secure, compliant, and high‑quality services to customers including those in the financial services sector. This role oversees supplier performance, contractual obligations, risk management, and continuous improvement, acting as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders and ensuring supplier operations meet stringent regulatory and governance standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing relationship management to ensure alignment with business and regulatory requirements
* Negotiate supplier contracts and terms, focusing on cost efficiency, quality, and compliance
* Monitor supplier performance against SLAs, KPIs, and contractual obligations, proactively identifying risks and opportunities
* Conduct regular supplier reviews and audits, ensuring adherence to sector‑specific standards and continuous improvement
* Manage supplier risk assessments, due diligence, and remediation activities
* Collaborate with procurement, legal, and business units to ensure supplier agreements support business continuity and strategic goals
* Maintain accurate records of supplier interactions, performance metrics, and financial transactions for audit and regulatory purposes
* Support the budgeting and forecasting process for supplier‑related costs
* Drive innovation and improvement in supplier management processes, leveraging automation and best practices
* Act as an escalation point for supplier issues, resolving disputes and ensuring timely resolution
Financial Services & Regulatory Compliance
* Ensure all supplier management activities comply with financial services regulations and frameworks (e.g., FCA, PRA, DORA, ISO 27001, SOC)
* Implement and enforce controls for anti‑money laundering (AML), Know Your Supplier (KYS), and financial due diligence
* Support audits, risk assessments, and compliance reviews, collaborating with Quality, Security, and Compliance teams
* Maintain awareness of evolving financial sector regulations and integrate compliance requirements into supplier management processes
* Ensure supplier operations support regulatory reporting, operational resilience, and business continuity obligations
Governance & Reporting
* Produce and present supplier management reports, dashboards, and performance summaries for internal and external stakeholders, highlighting compliance, risk management, and cost optimisation
* Track and manage supplier risks, issues, and actions, ensuring accurate documentation for audit and regulatory purposes
* Support supplier governance initiatives, including contract management, risk assessments, and supplier performance reviews
* Collaborate with teams to ensure supplier management processes are properly documented, versioned, and maintained in line with governance requirements
* Contribute to contract renewals and supplier scope changes from a management perspective, ensuring operational and regulatory alignment
Skills and Attributes
* Proven experience in supplier management, procurement, or similar roles within the financial services sector
* Strong understanding of financial services regulations and compliance requirements
* Experience with supplier contract management, risk assessment, and performance monitoring
* Excellent interpersonal and organisational skills, able to build trustful relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
* Advanced Excel and reporting skills; experience with ERP and supplier management systems is desirable
* Knowledge of risk management, audit, and compliance processes in supplier management
Benefits
* Pension Scheme: Employer‑matched contributions to help you plan for the future.
* Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Access to private medical care for your peace of mind and wellbeing.
* Discounted Gym Memberships: Prioritise your fitness with exclusive rates at leading gyms.
* Personalised Wellbeing Support: App‑based resources and services available 24/7
* Enhanced Annual Leave: 25 days of holiday, increasing to 27 days with service, plus bank holidays and a day off for your birthday.
* Continuous Learning & Development: Ongoing opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.
Equal Opportunities Statement
Diversity, equity and inclusion are at the heart of what we value as an organisation. Claranet is an equal opportunities employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other status protected by law. Our recruitment team are happy to support any reasonable adjustments that are needed within the recruitment process.
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