Vendor manager

## Unlock Your Potential as a Strategic Vendor Manager at the John Lewis Partnership This is an exceptional opportunity for experienced Vendor Managers to join a dynamic and forward-thinking team within the Transformation & Technology (T&T) division of the renowned John Lewis Partnership. As a permanent Vendor Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and safeguarding the strategic supplier relationships that are fundamental to the success of the Partnership's technological advancements and business support.

The Opportunity:

This role offers a significant platform to exert influence and drive tangible value. You will be entrusted with managing critical supplier partnerships, fostering long-term relationships that translate into enhanced supplier performance, increased collaboration, innovation, and cost efficiencies. This is a highly visible position where you'll collaborate cross-functionally, engage with stakeholders at executive levels, and be instrumental in defining and implementing impactful supplier strategies. Ensuring contractual obligations are met, business needs are fulfilled, and stakeholder alignment is achieved will be at the core of your responsibilities.

What Makes This Role Stand Out for Your Career Path:

• Strategic Impact: You will be at the forefront of shaping sourcing and vendor management strategies for a crucial T&T function. This is not just about management; it's about strategic direction and proactive influence.
• Relationship Mastery: The role is ideal for individuals who excel at building and nurturing robust supplier relationships. You'll have the autonomy to cultivate these partnerships to unlock maximum value.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: You will work extensively across different departments, gaining a holistic understanding of the Partnership's operations and influencing various teams to achieve common goals.
• Executive Engagement: The opportunity to manage and influence stakeholders up to the executive level is a significant career accelerator, providing invaluable experience in high-level decision-making.
• Driving Innovation and Efficiency: You'll have a direct hand in driving innovation and cost efficiency through your supplier relationships, contributing directly to the Partnership's ongoing success and adaptation in a competitive market.
• Challenging the Status Quo: This role welcomes individuals who are comfortable and adept at challenging conventional approaches, pushing for better outcomes, and driving positive change.
• Partnership Culture: As an employee-owned business, the John Lewis Partnership offers a unique and rewarding environment. You'll be a Partner, sharing in the responsibilities, rewards, and successes of this esteemed organization.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• Proactive and Self-Starting Mindset: The description emphasizes the need for proactive individuals who are self-starters and driven to achieve improvements from their assigned suppliers. Your ability to take initiative will be paramount.
• Complex Contract Management: A strong understanding of managing complex contracts and outsourcing environments is essential, including the nuances of change delivery.
• Stakeholder Influence: Proven experience in influencing senior stakeholders, both internally and externally, is a critical requirement. Your ability to communicate effectively and persuasively will be key.
• Organizational Prowess: Excellent organization, project management, prioritization, and presentation skills are necessary to effectively manage multiple vendors, stakeholders, and initiatives.
• Hybrid Working Model: The role offers a hybrid working arrangement, primarily balancing work from home with time in the London/Head Office. There will be an expectation to travel to supplier locations in the UK as needed. The team also convenes in the office weekly for connection and on an ad-hoc basis for key meetings, with flexibility to optimize engagement based on business needs.
• Desirable Skillset: While not strictly essential, experience in negotiation and presentation/communication skills, particularly within an IT function, would be advantageous and could further enhance your candidacy.

This Vendor Manager position represents a significant step in your career, offering the chance to contribute to a beloved and historic organization while honing your skills in strategic supplier management, stakeholder engagement, and driving business value. If you are a motivated and accomplished professional looking to make a lasting impact, this role is certainly worth exploring.