Southend on Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend.

Working for Southend on Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovate environment, with the benefit of flexible working practices to support a positive work life balance. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from social services, transport, public health and parks through to planning, trading standards, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in a number of exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.

Are you an experienced contract, commercial or supplier relationship professional looking for an opportunity to influence the delivery of essential public services?

Southend-on-Sea City Council is seeking a strategic and commercially focused Supplier Relationship Manager to lead the management of a portfolio of high-value Environment and Place contracts. Covering services such as Waste Collection and Disposal, Highways Maintenance, Street Cleansing, Grounds Maintenance, Fleet, Parking and Public Realm, this role will be instrumental in ensuring our suppliers deliver excellent outcomes for residents while achieving value for money and supporting the Council's wider ambitions. This role is being offered on a full time and permanent basis.

As the Council's lead relationship manager for key suppliers, you will build strong and effective partnerships whilst maintaining robust challenge and accountability. You will oversee supplier performance, contract governance, commercial management and continuous improvement activities across a range of strategic contracts.

Working closely with operational managers, procurement, legal and finance colleagues, you will:

• Lead strategic supplier relationship management across major Environment and Place contracts.
• Develop collaborative and commercially effective relationships with suppliers and contractors.
• Monitor performance against KPIs, service standards and contractual obligations.
• Drive service improvement, innovation and value-for-money initiatives.
• Lead contract review meetings, performance boards and governance forums.
• Resolve complex contractual issues, disputes and performance concerns.
• Identify and manage contractual, financial and operational risks.
• Support future procurement activity, contract renewals and commissioning strategies.
• Promote sustainability, social value and environmental outcomes through contract delivery.
• Provide specialist advice and support to managers and stakeholders across the organisation.

This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future delivery of vital frontline services across Southend and make a tangible impact on our communities.

To be successful in this role, you will bring significant experience in supplier relationship management, contract management or commercial management, with a strong track record of managing high-value contracts and holding suppliers accountable for performance, quality and value for money. It is crucial that you have excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, enabling you to build effective relationships with suppliers, senior leaders and colleagues across the organisation. You will be confident negotiating, influencing decision-making and resolving complex contractual issues in a collaborative and professional manner.

A strong commercial mindset is essential, alongside experience monitoring performance, managing risk, identifying efficiencies and driving continuous improvement. You will also be comfortable analysing information and using data to support decision-making and improve service outcomes.

Most importantly, you will be a proactive and solutions-focused professional who is committed to delivering high-quality services, innovation and positive outcomes for residents.

Experience within local government, procurement, commissioning or Environment and Place services would be advantageous but is not essential.

It is essential that you hold a degree-level qualification or can demonstrate equivalent professional experience. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS) is also essential, although we will also consider candidates who are actively working towards achieving this professional qualification.

When joining the council, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: 25 days annual leave, flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities. They are committed to ensuring that you are supported in this varied and challenging role with the appropriate level of training. A full list of benefits provided by Southend Council can be viewed on the "Why Work For Us?" tab.

If you are interested in this role, please click 'apply online' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.

If you would like a copy the Job Description, please click here

Please note: Applications for this vacancy may close prior to the date advertised above so you are advised to apply as soon as you are able to.

The Council is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications, regardless of race, sex, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, age or religion or belief.