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