Supplier Assurance Specialist

Embark on a significant career opportunity with Barclays as a Supplier Assurance Specialist. This role is pivotal in upholding the integrity and reliability of our third-party partnerships, ensuring they consistently meet contractual obligations and align with Barclays' stringent internal standards. You'll be an integral part of a dynamic and expanding team, conducting both remote and on-site assurance activities to proactively identify and mitigate potential supplier risks across the entire organization.

This is a hybrid position, offering flexibility with a base in either Northampton, Manchester, or Knutsford.

What the Role Entails:

• Conducting comprehensive supplier assurance reviews, which may include physical site visits and in-depth remote testing.
• Evaluating supplier performance against crucial contractual agreements and regulatory requirements.
• Providing critical challenge and oversight to suppliers, ensuring that identified risks are effectively managed and addressed.
• Contributing to the ongoing enhancement and refinement of our supplier oversight processes.
• Undertaking travel to supplier sites as necessitated by the role.

Key Advantages for Your Career Path:

This role offers a fantastic platform for professional growth, particularly for individuals with an aptitude for risk management and supplier relationships. You will gain invaluable experience in:

• Deepening Expertise in Risk Mitigation: Directly contribute to safeguarding Barclays' operations by identifying and resolving supplier-related risks, a highly sought-after skill in today's business landscape.
• Developing Strategic Oversight Skills: Hone your ability to assess performance against complex contractual and regulatory frameworks, providing strategic insights to senior management.
• Enhancing Communication and Influencing Abilities: The need to challenge and provide oversight to suppliers will naturally develop your skills in negotiation, persuasion, and confident communication with diverse stakeholders.
• Gaining Exposure to a Hybrid Work Environment: Experience a modern work structure that balances in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, enhancing work-life integration.
• Contributing to a Reputable Financial Institution: Working with Barclays provides an opportunity to build your career within a globally recognized and respected brand, adding significant weight to your resume.
• Career Progression in Assurance and Risk: This role serves as an excellent stepping stone for future opportunities within supplier management, risk and control functions, or broader operational assurance roles within Barclays.

Key Considerations for Aspiring Candidates:

To thrive in this role and maximize your career potential, consider the following:

• Essential Experience: A solid foundation in supplier risk management or oversight roles is critical. This includes a robust understanding of contractual oversight principles.
• Proactive and Inquisitive Nature: Success hinges on your ability to ask probing questions and challenge the status quo with confidence. An inquisitive mindset is paramount.
• Flexibility for Travel: A willingness and ability to travel to supplier sites is a non-negotiable aspect of this position.
• Alignment with Barclays Values: While not strictly "essential," demonstrating behaviors and a mindset aligned with Barclays' core values (integrity, service, excellence, stewardship, growth) will be highly advantageous. This includes a comfortable and effective working style within a small, agile team.
• Developing Broader Business Acumen: The role may involve assessments related to risk and controls, change and transformation, business acumen, strategic thinking, and digital and technology. Cultivating these areas will be beneficial.

This Supplier Assurance Specialist position at Barclays is more than just a job; it's an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the stability and success of a major financial institution while simultaneously advancing your career in a field of growing importance. If you possess a keen eye for detail, a proactive approach to risk, and a commitment to excellence, this role could be the ideal next step in your professional journey.