Head of Supplier Relationship Management - SC Cleared - London - 6 Months
Head of Supplier Relationship Management - SC Cleared - London - 6 months
A central government organisation is seeking an experienced Head of Supplier Relationship Management to play a pivotal role in shaping and managing strategic partnerships across the UK's public sector digital ecosystem.
Operating within a high-profile commercial and digital function, you will drive supplier strategy and engagement across a diverse portfolio, from global technology providers to emerging SME and scale-up organisations. This is a unique opportunity to influence how large-scale technology is procured, delivered, and optimised across government.
Working closely with senior stakeholders, commercial teams, and ministers, you will ensure that supplier relationships deliver maximum value, innovation, and long-term strategic impact.
This role requires a commercially astute, politically aware leader who can operate confidently in a complex, fast-moving environment.
Please note, SC clearance is required for this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and own the supplier relationship strategy, covering hyperscalers, strategic suppliers, and SME ecosystems
- Build and manage senior-level relationships with large technology providers and emerging market players
- Partner with commercial and governance teams to ensure effective supplier oversight and performance management
- Support major commercial deals and negotiations, driving optimal outcomes for the organisation
- Provide strategic input into business planning, digital investment, and supplier strategy
- Engage with senior stakeholders, translating complex concepts into clear, actionable insights and briefings
- Identify opportunities for innovation, value creation, and supplier co-investment
- Operate effectively within a fast-paced, politically sensitive environment, bringing clarity to ambiguity
Ideal Candidate:
- Strong experience in supplier relationship management, strategic partnerships, or commercial leadership roles
- Proven ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including executive-level decision makers
- Solid commercial acumen, ideally within technology, digital, or data-driven environments
- Experience working in complex, highly governed organisations (public sector experience beneficial but not essential)
- Ability to manage a broad supplier landscape, including large global tech providers (eg AWS, Microsoft, Oracle) and SME ecosystems
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear messaging
- Strategic thinker who brings structure, clarity, and direction in ambiguous environments
- High levels of emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability
Additional Requirements
- Degree educated (or equivalent experience)
- Active SC clearance (or recently lapsed) desirable
- MBA or commercial qualifications beneficial but not essential
- Able to commit to hybrid working in London, with regular stakeholder engagement
TL;DR
- Job Title: Head of Supplier Relationship Management
- Contract Length: 6 months
- Location: London (Hybrid)
- Rate: £675 - £750 per day
- IR35 Status: Inside IR35
- Clearance: SC (preferred)