Group Procurement Supplier Relationship Manager

Role Purpose

This newly created role will build, develop and manage an effective supplier relationship and contract management framework across the organisation. Reporting to the Group Head of Procurement, the role introduces and embeds systems to manage preferred suppliers, contract and performance management, risk, and value-based decision making. In addition it is expected the person will support wider procurement activity.

Total third-party spend exceeds £50 million per year across 50+ residential homes, 24 schools and 15 regional offices. Procurement is not about cutting corners, it is about ensuring every pound delivers lasting value for children, carers and colleagues.

What You’ll Do

• Build and manage a structured preferred supplier framework and supplier relationships.
• Ensure robust supplier onboarding including due diligence, safeguarding checks and ESG alignment.
• Actively manage supplier performance through KPIs, feedback loops and issue resolution.
• Develop and manage a central contract repository and support SLAs, mitigating risk early.
  Provide market insight, reporting, and ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
• Build strong relationships and support procurement change across the organisation.

Wider Procurement Activity Will Include

• Analyse spend, lead sourcing and tendering, negotiate optimal commercial terms.
• Develop collaborative sourcing strategies and standardise specifications across sites.

About You

• Significant procurement experience in a multi-site, service-based organisation.
• Proven track record in supplier frameworks, contract management and delivering commercial value.
• Degree and/or CIPS (or working towards MCIPS) desirable.
• Structured, commercially astute, collaborative and comfortable driving change.

Success Looks Like

• Procurement policy and supplier onboarding embedded and followed.
• Preferred supplier frameworks and contract management system in place; risk minimised.
• Spend visible, controlled and aligned to priorities with clear reporting.
• Staff enabled to procure efficiently while protecting quality of services for children and families.

Transforming lives through Integrity, Courage and Care

Compass Community exists to create a future of strength and opportunity for every child. Across fostering, residential care and education, we use a therapeutic, innovative approach that puts children first. Our mission is to be the UK’s #1 children’s services provider – reaching more children, being the best place to work in children’s services, and helping to transform the sector for good.

Our values, Integrity, Courage and Care guide how people work here. We listen properly, challenge each other well, and get on with fixing what needs to be fixed, together. When something goes wrong, we deal with it. When something goes well, we celebrate it. That's the work of Life Changers, and we look forwards to welcoming you to the team.