Supplier Relationship Manager Job at Dartford DA TS seconds Full Time NEW

Supplier Relationship Manager

Stone | Hybrid working

Up to £45,000 depending on experience

If you have ever looked at a supplier base and thought this feels exposed, this is the role where you get to do something about it.

This is not a traditional procurement role. It is about understanding suppliers properly, building the right relationships, and making sure the business is not left vulnerable when things go wrong. Joining a manufacturing environment where supplier performance, stability and resilience really matter, you will step into a newly created role with genuine scope to make an impact from day one.

You will take ownership of supplier relationships across a broad and varied supply chain, working closely with internal teams to ensure suppliers are reliable, capable and fit for purpose.

A key part of the role will be understanding where the current risks sit, reviewing supplier performance and resilience, and helping put the right plans in place to protect continuity of supply.

What you will be doing:

• Developing a clear view of supplier capability, performance and risk exposure
• Identifying single-source dependencies, capacity constraints and vulnerabilities across the supply base
• Putting mitigation plans in place, including dual sourcing, supplier development or replacement
• Building and managing relationships with key suppliers, acting as the main point of escalation where required
• Establishing structure and governance around supplier performance and accountability
• Driving improvements in quality, delivery and overall supplier reliability
• Leading supplier-focused projects that improve continuity, reduce risk and strengthen operational stability
• Working closely with planning, procurement, quality, operations and logistics teams to ensure alignment
• Supporting a longer-term approach to supplier strategy, ensuring the supply base is resilient and fit for future growth

What we are looking for:

• Background in a manufacturing or engineering-led supply chain environment
• Experience working with suppliers beyond transactional buying
• Strong understanding of supplier performance, risk, development or continuity
• Comfortable working across a broad range of suppliers including electronics, mechanical and general manufacturing
• Able to assess supplier capability and make informed decisions around suitability and risk
• Experience supporting or leading improvement or change initiatives

This role is better aligned to someone with a supplier quality, supplier development or operational supply chain background rather than a purely procurement-led profile.

You will be personable, approachable and professional, with the credibility to build strong relationships while still challenging where needed. You will be comfortable taking a broad view, working across teams and operating with a high level of autonomy.

What you can expect in return:

• Salary up to £45,000 depending on experience + benefits
• Hybrid working with 3 days on site and 2 from home
• Approximately 50% UK travel
• Expenses covered, including mileage and accommodation where required
• A newly created role with the opportunity to shape how supplier relationships are managed
• A collaborative environment where practical, solutions-focused thinking is valued

If this sounds like the kind of role where you can genuinely make a difference, I would be keen to speak with you. Please apply or get in touch for a confidential conversation.