Senior Third Party Manager - ESN

Senior Third Party Manager: Strategic Impact in a Connected World

This Senior Third Party Manager role presents a compelling opportunity for experienced professionals to take ownership of critical commercial strategies within a leading telecommunications organization. Based in either Bristol or London, this position offers a chance to shape and manage the landscape of third-party relationships, directly impacting the company's ability to entertain, educate, and empower millions.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

• Strategic Ownership & Influence: You will have the mandate to own the commercial strategy, sourcing, and performance management for a diverse range of ESN third parties. This includes suppliers, landlords, neutral hosts, and intricate multi-layer supply chains, providing significant strategic impact and visibility.
• Complex & Meaningful Work: This role involves developing sophisticated category and partner strategies, leading complex RFPs and negotiations, and establishing robust contract governance. You'll be instrumental in optimizing supply chain constructs for resilience, cost, and performance, a critical function in today's dynamic business environment.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: A strong emphasis is placed on data-driven decision making and ensuring competitive pricing through benchmarking and market intelligence. This is an excellent opportunity to hone your analytical skills and demonstrate tangible value.
• High-Trust Relationships & Collaboration: The role demands building and maintaining high-trust relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. You'll be a key liaison, resolving escalations and fostering collaborative positions across various departments including property, engineering, service, finance, and legal.
• Commitment to Development & Well-being: The organization is dedicated to your progress and development, offering world-class training and development opportunities. Furthermore, an impressive benefits package underscores a commitment to employee well-being, including a competitive bonus, excellent pension scheme, comprehensive life assurance, and a wide array of flexible benefits.
• Progressive Family Leave & Health Support: Significant advancements in equal family leave (starting January 2025) and enhanced women’s health support demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to employee benefits, promoting inclusivity and support for diverse life stages.
• Flexible Working Environment: A '3 together, 2 wherever' working model offers a balanced approach to work-life integration, allowing for both in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

• National Security Vetting: A crucial aspect of this role requires undergoing National Security Vetting to SC or NPPV level. Candidates should be aware of and comfortable with this requirement, which is integral to the company's operational security.
• Experience in Complex Environments: The ideal candidate will possess demonstrated leadership experience in supplier/third-party/landlord-facing roles within complex environments. Experience with neutral host and complex infrastructure contracts is particularly valuable.
• Deep Business Insight & Supply Chain Acumen: Beyond transactional management, the role necessitates deep business insight and a strong understanding of both vertical and horizontal supply chain thinking. The ability to connect commercial strategies to broader business objectives is key.
• Stakeholder Management Prowess: Success will hinge on your ability to navigate and influence a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders. Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional leadership are essential skills.
• Procurement Qualification (Preferred): While not mandatory, a CIPS or equivalent procurement qualification is preferred and will be a strong indicator of your foundational knowledge and commitment to the procurement profession.
• Embrace Diversity & Inclusion: The organization strongly values diversity and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from candidates from all backgrounds. Even if you don't meet every single requirement, if you're enthusiastic about the role, we encourage you to apply – your unique perspective and skills may be precisely what we're looking for.

This Senior Third Party Manager position is an exciting chance to contribute to a company that plays a vital role in connecting businesses and communities. If you are a strategic thinker with a proven track record in third-party management and a desire to make a significant impact, this role offers a rewarding career trajectory within a supportive and forward-thinking organization.