13686 - Supplier Relations Consultant, EMEA Job Listing at Kelly Services in United Kingdom (Job ID 13686)

Description

Together we change lives.

Kelly is a team of experts driven by our belief that the impact of the right person in the right job is limitless.

No matter where you are in your career journey you can apply your knowledge and passion to move people, organizations, and communities forward. You'll have opportunities to grow your expertise and capabilities, both professionally and personally. As a team we celebrate inclusion, caring and collaboration. As a company we value your contribution, we work with integrity, and we always put people first – so your impact really will change lives.

Supplier Relations Consultant is responsible for building, developing, and optimizing a high-performing global supplier network that supports business growth and client success. Leveraging strong supply chain expertise and strategic supplier relationships, this role drives supplier performance, innovation, and collaboration across global operations. 

Supplier Relations Consultant acts as a trusted advisor, promoting best-in-class supplier performance management practices and ensuring alignment with enterprise strategy.

Our Supplier Relations Consultant is accountable for:

Operational Engagement:

• Manage a portfolio of preferred suppliers, engaging regularly to support supplier initiatives and resolve supplier-related challenges.
• Support sales pursuits and program implementations, including RFIs, supplier marketing materials, sourcing initiatives, supplier optimisation/demand alignment, and transition to operations.
• Co-deliver supplier onboarding and properly setting expectations as requested by the program. 
• Support/Lead supplier initiatives to promote education, collaboration, and best practices in Supplier Performance Management (SPM).
• Conduct supply market analysis and lead projects to enhance supplier networks and achieve business and customer goals.
• Partner with leadership to provide feedback on supplier performance delivery and recommend continuous improvement and innovation initiatives.

Strategic Supplier Relationships:

• Develop and maintain a global supplier network aligned with evolving business needs.
• Source, onboard, coach, and performance-manage suppliers; recommend removal of underperforming suppliers when necessary.
• Build and manage relationships with preferred and strategic suppliers to ensure high service levels and continuous value creation.
• Engage with supplier communities and related councils to stay current on market trends and share insights that drive operational and client improvements.
• Support supplier compliance and responsible supplier management initiatives.

Enterprise Strategy & Enablement:

• Support deployment of enterprise initiatives.
• Maintain awareness of organizational priorities and align supplier engagement activities accordingly.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Competencies:

• Experience in supplier and client management within service delivery environments.
• Working knowledge of supply chain management principles and service delivery processes.
• General understanding of VMS platforms.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication (written, verbal, presentation), and stakeholder management skills, including senior-level interactions.
• Proven ability to resolve conflicts and develop solutions that maximize joint value.
• Experience facilitating group discussions and presentations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Strong business acumen and ability to understand and apply market knowledge to achieve organizational goals.
• Collaborative mindset with high adaptability in dynamic environments.

Experience & Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree preferred (or equivalent experience).
• Experience:
  • 3–5 years of supplier and client management experience.
  • International experience and multicultural business exposure.
  • Sales and/or consulting experience is a plus.

Kelly OCG is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.