Supplier Relationship Manager reference: R1196179

This review offers a professional perspective on the Supplier Relationship Manager opportunity at Bupa, highlighting key advantages and considerations for prospective candidates looking to advance their careers.

Opportunity Overview:

Bupa is seeking a technology-focused Supplier Relationship Manager to join their UK support functions. This role is pivotal in ensuring that customer-facing teams can deliver exceptional standards of customer service and patient care. If you are driven by purpose and a desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives, this position offers a unique platform to achieve that.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Meaningful Impact: At its core, this role is about supporting Bupa's mission to help people live longer, healthier, happier lives. Your work will directly contribute to positive outcomes for customers.
• Hybrid Working Model: Enjoy a flexible work-life balance with a hybrid model, allowing for 3 days of remote work per week. This offers convenience and autonomy.
• Competitive Compensation & Benefits: The position offers a competitive starting salary of £60K per annum, dependent on experience, alongside a generous 10% management bonus scheme and an enhanced pension plan.
• Professional Development: The role provides ample opportunities for growth within Bupa's global operations. You'll be encouraged to innovate, collaborate, and develop your skills in supplier management, risk mitigation, and strategic sourcing.
• Focus on Wellbeing: Bupa's commitment to employee wellbeing through their "Viva" program, encompassing mental, physical, financial, social, and environmental aspects, is a significant perk.
• Company Culture: Bupa fosters a positive and inclusive culture where diversity is championed. The ethos of "Be you at Bupa" encourages authenticity and valuing individual contributions.
• Career Progression: As a technology-focused role within a large, reputable organisation, this position offers a clear pathway for career advancement in supplier relationship management and procurement.

Key Considerations for Your Career Path:

• Regulatory Compliance: A strong understanding of financial services regulations, specifically FCA (SYSC 8/13) and PRA handbook requirements, is essential. Experience in supplier assurance or audit within this context is highly valued.
• Strategic Stakeholder Management: This role demands the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers. Effective communication and negotiation skills will be paramount.
• Risk Management Expertise: Owning and managing supplier risk profiles, undertaking due diligence, and implementing robust risk mitigation strategies are central to the role. Familiarity with risk management frameworks is crucial.
• Commercial Acumen: A demonstrable track record of value-based delivery, strong commercial awareness, and the ability to drive innovation, efficiencies, and business development opportunities with suppliers are key requirements.
• Continuous Improvement: The role actively seeks individuals who can identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives in service, cost, risk, and flexibility. This requires analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Market Insight: A proactive approach to market scanning and benchmarking will be necessary to ensure competitiveness and shape category strategy.

In Summary:

The Supplier Relationship Manager position at Bupa presents an exciting opportunity for seasoned professionals looking to leverage their expertise in a role that offers both professional challenge and personal fulfilment. If you possess a strong commercial background, a keen understanding of regulatory landscapes, and a passion for making a difference, this role could be an excellent step in your career trajectory.