Head of Supplier Engagement - Utilities - Inside IR35

Do you want to be part of the UK's transformation programme for it's Carbon Neutral/net zero future? we are looking for a dynamic and passionate individual to work as Head of Supplier Engagement, responsible for ensuring that the organisation becomes a customer of choice for their critical suppliers, enabling better leverage on supplier relationships to support strategic objectives. You will ideally come from a construction/infrastructure and/or Utilities/CAPEX background and have worked on high value supplier management on major transformation projects. You will be used to working in a fast paced, change environment, managing step change along the way, with both internal and external stakeholders. Please note this is not an IT Vendor Manager role. Key Skills - Develop and execute the Supplier Relationship Management strategy in partnership with category teams. Define supplier and contract management approach, as a Centre of Excellence, for all suppliers based on rigorous segmentation (e.g., based on spend, criticality). Support global and regional management teams in appropriate commercial strategies, assessing contract risks, executing mitigation plans and building effective partnerships with vendors that ensures opportunities to drive value are leveraged. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency through the digitalisation and automation of the contract management process. Lead the implementation of such initiatives on behalf of the wider Procurement function and ensure a consistent contract management process is adhered to. Regularly re-assess and update segmentation ensuring that our approach evolves as the supplier dynamics evolve. Define tools, standards, and methodology for demand forecasting to support Business Partners; consolidate groupwide demand forecast. Provide supplier insight and use as the basis for appropriate action planning to continuously improve the perception, with the goal of becoming a 'Client of Choice'. Facilitate, mediate, and provide recommendations on path forward when category/Business Unit priorities conflict - including escalating to relevant stakeholders with Procurement. Coordinate & facilitate stakeholder engagements (e.g., forums, workshops) with strategic suppliers across Business Units and category teams. Proven experience in procurement & supply chain transformation projects Designing, implementing, and managing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for supplier risk management. Prior experience in the energy/utilities sector/petrochem Background in capital expenditure procurement projects Excellent understanding of supplier risk management principles, methodologies, and best practices. Familiarity with relevant industry standards, regulations, and frameworks related to supplier risk management in the energy sector. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess and mitigate supplier-related risks effectively. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to influence senior stakeholders to take action. Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.Key responsibilities - Monitor and evaluate supplier performance and compliance with contractual obligations and service level agreements. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including procurement, legal, and compliance, to ensure the integration of supplier risk management practices into overall organizational processes. Conduct thorough supplier risk assessments, evaluating financial stability and compliance with regulations Stay updated on industry trends, emerging risks, and regulatory changes related to supplier risk management in the energy sector. Provide guidance and training to internal stakeholders on new processes, procedures, and best practices. Develop comprehensive supplier strategies for strategic suppliers building in perspectives from other teams (e.g., Sustainability, Supply Chain Risk) and aligning with business priorities. Lead a highly motivated, innovative, and value-focused team, developing talent and a performance management culture that drives value through employee engagement which successfully meets or exceeds all strategic objectives for the area