Head of Supplier Relationship Management

Job Introduction

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Supplier Relationship Management to manage the SRM function within Sodexo. This is a pivotal role for us, it includes stakeholder engagement, customer experience, ensuring that the strategy not only comes to life but also becomes a fundamental part of how the whole Supply Management function operates in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Leading and evolving a fit for purpose help desk function with a drive towards customer service excellence and supply chain engagement. Embody a culture of continuous improvement processes with a view to supply chain excellence and value enhancement.

You must have food logistics experience, coupled with a background leading Supply Chain Managers and demonstrable delivery and strategy knowledge and experience. This is a fantastic opportunity for motivated, tenacious individuals eager to progress and develop their career within a global business. The role offers a very competitive salary, car allowance, annual bonus and up to 33 days holiday a year.

Role Responsibility

Strategic Relationship Management

• Designing and overseeing the implementation of the strategic relationship management strategy, ensuring it meets the business and commercial needs of the organisation
• To proactively seek and build continuous and meaningful engagement with the business and suppliers to shape services and improve value delivered from the supply chain
• Researching, creating and leading strategies to ensure that ‘customer focus’ is paramount
• Working closely with the Heads of Platforms and Mobilisations to make sure that relationship management strategies are joined up and that activity is coordinated

Leadership and Management

• Provide strong professional leadership of the SRM and Help Desk teams to ensure all staff in the team are clear about their role, have a complete customer focus, and understand how they contribute to the strategic direction of Sodexo
• Establish departmental goals, objectives, and operating procedures
• Take responsibility for the professional development of staff, ensuring that EPA’s are undertaken on a regular basis, and personal development plans are achieved. Highlight and develop high potential leaders of the future.

Value Creation & Measurement

• Develop and implement joint two way score cards to capture performance and improvement.
• Track and report specific SRM savings at an individual supplier level and at an aggregated SRM program level (these can include cost savings, efficiency programmes, service delivery & design improvement initiatives).

The Ideal Candidate

• Strong experience in food logistics
• Ability in working in a multi-cultural and matrix environment
• Proven-track records in complex relationship management
• Graduate calibre with CIPS/ISM or equivalent qualification preferred
• Excellent external networking capabilities and presentation skills 
• Team player with excellent communication and influencing skills
• Financial acumen and result orientated with ability to present results in a structured and professional manner
• Strong project management skills
• Flexible for international travel where necessary

Desirable

• Fluency in another language; French / Spanish a plus.

About the Company

In the UK and Ireland, Sodexo employs some 35,000 employees to deliver integrated facilities management services to clients at over 2,000 locations in the corporate, healthcare, education, leisure, defence and justice sectors. With an annual turnover of over £1bn, we provide everything from catering, cleaning and reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling our clients to focus on their core business.

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults within a regulated activity. Certain roles will require applicants to undergo screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and/ or Disclosure Scotland.