Supply Chain Manager
Posted 2 days 18 hours ago by Cornerstone
Operating across multiple strategic supplier and partner relationships, the SGM is responsible for implementing and maintaining governance programmes that assess delivery against contractual commitments. The role supports the resolution of commercial issues, facilitates contract development and renewals, and ensures that suppliers contribute to defined commercial objectives. The SGM works closely with internal teams including Delivery, Estates Management, Legal, and Commercial to manage contract changes and support onboarding of new suppliers. The role also drives continual improvement initiatives and ensures compliance with Cornerstone's ethical, environmental, and health and safety standards.
DELIVERYThe Supplier Governance Manager delivers an effective governance programme across key suppliers and partners, ensuring that contractual obligations are met and performance supports Cornerstone's strategic goals. They lead on supplier challenges and claims raised through the Commercial RACI Matrix, ensuring clear consultation and communication across all levels of the organisation. The role fosters pragmatic, solution-oriented relationships with partners, maintaining high standards of delivery and behaviour. It supports sourcing and contract development in collaboration with the Category Management team, including onboarding and lifecycle amendments. The SGM owns the process for contractual updates and renewals, driving resolution of issues that impact negotiations and providing regular progress updates. In-life contract management is a key focus, with the SGM ensuring suppliers support agreed commercial objectives and contribute to year-on-year cost reduction initiatives. The role identifies and drives process improvements that deliver operational and commercial benefits, while ensuring consistent adherence to health and safety obligations across the supplier base.
ROLE EXPERTISETo succeed in this role, the Supplier Governance Manager must demonstrate strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and relationship management capabilities. The postholder should be confident in managing complex supplier engagements, resolving disputes, and driving performance across strategic partnerships. The role requires a deep understanding of contract governance, sourcing processes, and compliance standards. The SGM must be proactive in identifying improvement opportunities, balancing short- and long-term objectives, and ensuring that supplier relationships deliver mutual value. Strong interpersonal skills, stakeholder engagement, and the ability to influence at all levels are essential.
PERSON SPECIFICATION (EXPERTISE)Required (minimum)
- KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIANCE Experience Significant commercial negotiation and account management experience
- Proven track record of fostering strong interpersonal relationships Telecoms infrastructure or property experience (desired)
- Commercial account management experience (desired)
- Experience in operationalising volume-related commercial deals (desired)
Skills & Knowledge
- Commercial acumen and influencing skills
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement
- Negotiation and dispute resolution skills
- Intermediate Excel and IT literacy
- Ability to present at board level (desired)
- Project management and presentation skills (desired)
- Finance and business case modelling experience (desired)
- Advanced relationship building and process compliance expertise (desired)
Third-level qualification or equivalent
CORNERSTONE VALUESOperate and uphold Cornerstones' values of Everyone Matters, Innovate to Elevate, Do the Right Thing and Customer First by being Professional, Respectful and Open. We're delighted that you're exploring opportunities with Cornerstone. By applying to a role and creating an account, you will be able to view and manage your applications, track your progress through our recruitment process, and stay up to date with the latest communications from our Recruitment Team. Whether you've already applied or are simply browsing our current opportunities, we're grateful for your interest in joining us, and we're looking forward to learning more about your skills, experience, and career aspirations. Thank you for considering a future with Cornerstone, and we wish you every success in your application.