IT Supplier Manager at Reading, Berkshire

Job Title: IT Supplier Manager

Location: Reading / Hybrid

Hourly rate: £57.00 per hour

Contract: 16/11/26 - 14/5/27

Hours: 37 hours per week

GI Group are recruiting for an IT Supplier & Category Management specialist to lead the definition and execution of IT supplier strategy and governance across Technology and Professional Services categories. You'll manage the end-to-end supplier lifecycle-from supplier evaluation and sourcing through contract negotiation, performance governance, and offboarding-ensuring suppliers deliver against SLAs, KPIs and service outcomes.

This is not a delivery-focused Project or Programme Management role.

Key responsibilities

· Partner with Digital Information leadership and key functions (e.g., Procurement) to define and execute the IT supplier strategy, optimising performance, reducing risk, and aligning to business and IT goals.

· Ensure ongoing alignment between supplier strategy, the Digital Information technology strategy, and Value Stream roadmaps.

· Support the establishment and operation of a robust supplier governance framework, working closely with Service Management and Business Management stakeholders.

· Act as a key point of contact between internal stakeholders and external suppliers, ensuring effective communication and issue resolution.

· Lead/support sourcing and procurement activities, including tendering, commercial negotiations, contract renewals and supplier selection.

· Run and facilitate supplier performance reviews, ensuring SLAs are achieved and customer satisfaction is maintained.

· Own day-to-day supplier performance management, including identifying and addressing service gaps, risk, compliance issues and poor performance.

· Work with Finance to manage budgets and drive cost saving / value initiatives relating to suppliers.

· Drive continuous improvement across quality, cost effectiveness and innovation within the supplier base.

· Attend and contribute to key meetings such as CAB, supplier reviews and operational service meetings as required.

Required skills & experience

· 3+ years' experience in IT supplier management (evaluation, contracting, performance management, offboarding).

· Demonstrable experience managing Technology and Professional Services suppliers (e.g., SIs and related providers).

· Proven ability to define and deliver supplier/category strategy in a highly regulated environment (Aerospace & Defence preferred).

· Strong commercial capability with experience negotiating complex IT contracts (international negotiation experience beneficial).

· Solid understanding of IT compliance, risk management and regulatory requirements.

· Evidence of improving supplier performance (e.g., cost effectiveness, service quality, customer satisfaction).

· Strong stakeholder management and the ability to influence across business and IT leadership.

· Experience building/embedding process and governance frameworks.

Sector Requirements:

· Active SC Clearance is mandatory (DV preferred).

· Aerospace & Defence experience is essential-ideally within MOD, Defence Digital, or UK aerospace environments, supporting sensitive programmes.

Desirable:

· Experience transitioning supplier contracts across two or more legal entities.

· Experience establishing supplier governance frameworks including tendering and performance management.

· Certifications such as CIPS, ITIL, PMP (or similar) are preferred.

Hiring Contact: Joanne Smith

Agency: GI Group Recruitment Ltd

If you would like any further information about any vacancies before applying, please feel free to contact or on 07552 342472 - #LI-JS1

Should you require any support or assistance, please contact your local Gi Group office.

Gi Group Holdings Recruitment Limited are proud founding members of Menopause in business, corporate members for Neurodiversity in business, Disability Confident committed members, Gold status for the Armed Forces Covenant, Bronze trail blazers for Racial Equality matters and Age Friendly Employer pledge members.

Gi Group Holdings Recruitment Limited group of companies includes Gi Recruitment Limited, Draefern Limited, Gi Group Recruitment Ltd, INTOO (UK) Limited, Marks Sattin (UK) Limited, TACK TMI UK Limited, Grafton Professional Staffing Limited, Encore Personnel Services, Gi Group Ireland Limited and Kelly Services (UK) Ltd. Gi Group Ireland Limited are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this role.

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