Supplier Relationship Manager

Manpower are currently seeking an interim Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager to work with our global FMCG client Reckitt, renowned for brands such as Dettol, Finish, Nurofen, and to become an integral part of their fast-paced FMCG environment.
The position is based in Slough. This a full-time temporary role to start as soon as possible and to run for 6 Months, Monday to Friday. Compensation for this role is competitive.
The role currently offers a mix of remote and onsite working, subject to adjustment based on business requirements.

Procurement at Reckitt
Our ambition is to make sourcing a business value driver, with sustainability and integrity at its core, digitally enabled and powered by our business partners and talented team. Our vision is to deliver an outstanding contribution to growth, margin expansion & cash generation while leading and acting with integrity & respect towards our suppliers and internal stakeholders and driving responsible & sustainable sourcing, whilst continuously developing the team.
About the role
Reckitt is undergoing significant enterprise transformation, accelerating digital enablement, cybersecurity, AI adoption, and business operations supported by strategic IT & Digital (IT&D) and Professional Services suppliers. To strengthen governance and maximise value from these critical supplier partnerships, we are seeking a Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager (SRM) to establish and operationalise the Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Governance Framework.
The SRM will own and manage relationships with Reckitt's most strategic suppliers, driving value creation, supplier performance improvement, risk
management, innovation, and executive stakeholder alignment. The role will act as a central point of coordination across Procurement, IT&D, Global Business Services (GBS), and business stakeholders to ensure a consistent, proactive, and strategic approach to supplier management.
Why This Role Matters
This role will establish a critical enterprise capability that enables Reckitt to maximise value from strategic suppliers, improve supplier governance, reduce operational and commercial risk, accelerate innovation, and strengthen alignment across Procurement, IT&D, and GBS. The position will play a pivotal role in supporting Reckitt's transformation agenda while delivering measurable business outcomes and long-term strategic advantage.
Your Responsibilities
Strategic Supplier Management

• Manage and develop relationships with Reckitt's most strategic IT&D and Professional Services suppliers.
• Responsible for supplier relationship governance and performance.
• Develop and maintain strategic supplier engagement plans aligned to business priorities.
• Drive supplier-led innovation and joint value creation initiatives.

Governance & Performance Management

• Implement and operationalise the Strategic Supplier Relationship Management Framework.
• Establish supplier governance structures, including operational reviews, quarterly business reviews, and executive steering committees.
• Define and monitor supplier performance metrics, KPIs, and service commitments.
• Lead supplier performance improvement and recovery plans where required.

Value Delivery & Commercial Optimisation

• Identify opportunities for cost optimisation, productivity improvements, and commercial value enhancement.
• Support benchmarking, continuous improvement initiatives, and total cost of ownership analysis.
• Improve contract compliance and reduce value leakage across strategic supplier agreements.
• Drive measurable financial and non-financial value outcomes from strategic partnerships.

Risk & Compliance Management

• Coordinate supplier risk management activities across financial, operational, regulatory, cybersecurity, and geopolitical dimensions.

• Improve visibility and oversight of critical third-party dependencies.
• Support business continuity and resilience planning with strategic suppliers.
• Lead issue resolution, dispute management, and escalation processes.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Partner closely with Procurement, IT&D, GBS Vendor Management teams, Legal, Finance, and business stakeholders.
• Improve cross-functional alignment and eliminate duplicate supplier engagement activities.
• Facilitate executive-level discussions and strategic supplier reviews.
• Ensure clear ownership, accountability, and communication across supplier ecosystems.

Innovation & Transformation

• Build and maintain joint business plans with strategic suppliers.
• Develop supplier innovation roadmaps aligned to enterprise transformation priorities.
• Facilitate access to emerging technologies, capabilities, and market insights.
• Promote strategic partnerships that support business growth and competitive advantage.

The experience we are looking for
Essential

• Significant experience in Supplier Relationship Management, Vendor Management, Strategic Sourcing, Procurement, or Commercial Management.
• Experience managing complex global supplier relationships within IT, Digital, Technology, Consulting, or Professional Services categories.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract management knowledge.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and supplier executives.
• Experience establishing governance frameworks and performance management structures.
• Strong negotiation, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing supplier risk and business continuity considerations.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

Preferred

• Experience within large multinational or matrix organisations.
• Knowledge of IT services, digital transformation, cybersecurity, cloud services, AI, or professional services ecosystems.
• Experience driving supplier innovation and joint business planning.
• Project or programme management experience.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Thinking
• Relationship Management
• Commercial Excellence
• Value Creation Mindset
• Influencing and Stakeholder Management
• Executive Communication
• Risk Management
• Continuous Improvement
• Collaboration and Leadership
• Results Orientation

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