Vendor / Supplier Specialist

As part of corporate “Future” programme Asda will be separating away from Walmart and its systems that will all be replaced over the next 2 years. This will mean that our technology team will be partnering with many new market suppliers to provide new best in class services from Microsoft, SAP, TCS, ServiceNow, NCR, and WorkDay to name a few…

To help support this we have redesigned the way we operate and have centralised all our technology supplier management capabilities into one new partnerships & cost optimisation Team. This has created several new existing supplier specialist (junior supplier manager) roles.

As a supplier specialist you will be responsible for several supplier relationships and service contracts that provide support or services to our stores, distribution centres and home offices from either a hardware, software or license subscription service.

Your role:

• Ensure SLA's (Service level agreements) performance is monitored
• Responsible for supplier senior level relationship and escalations
• Ensure service improvement plans are in place for each supplier
• Ensure supplier commercial obligations are met
• Manage and forecast operating cost budgets contributing to £350m total spend
• Identify opportunities for cost savings – Asda “save money work smarter” spend initiatives.
• Understand I.T roadmaps and ensure that hardware and or software is replaced or updated as required.
• Build effective working relationships with service management, procurement teams.
• Influence supplier contract negotiations to ensure the best outcome for Asda
• Contribute to contract negotiations
• Manage external partners, legal and procurement
• Work closely with SD&T to ensure that robust service models are in place for any new service
• Monitor product and call rates to identify trends

About you:

You'll be motivated by a role which challenges you on a daily basis, tests your agility and satisfies your desire to achieve results. You'll relish being part of a passionate, energetic team which thrives under pressure as you work together to provide creative solutions; all with the customer in mind.

• Having an interest in tech! Whilst you won't be writing any code or fixing broken hardware understanding the technologies with the contract you are responsible for is highly beneficial.
• You'll be highly numerate & analytical - you'll demonstrate commercial thinking and be capable of collating and evaluating data to support fact-based recommendations
• You'll have experience of, or a passion for analyzing large amounts of data
• Excellent PC skills, to include strong Office Skills – e.g. Outlook / Excel and Word
• Strong communication skills with the ability to develop collaborative internal and external relationships
• A keen eye for detail, excellent organizational skills and the ability to prioritize effectively
• A team player with a natural ability to seek solutions and solve problems, you'll have either gained experience in a supply chain, merchandising or stock replenishment environment or be taking your first career step after education (training will be provided)
• Your attitude to achieve and learn in a changing environment will be vital.

Hybrid Working

Work Where it Works. Our hybrid way of working gives you the choice to work where it works. This enables you to complete your daily tasks where you will be the most effective. It offers a mix of working from home and in an office environment that works best for you and your team. We would love to talk to you about this.

Benefits and Rewards:

• Discretionary company bonus
• Company pension up to 7% matched
• 10% colleague discount, free parking and many additional rewards.

We want all colleagues to be able to bring their best and true selves to work, every day. Simply put, we want our colleagues to be Proud to be Asda and proud to be themselves.

If you have any questions, then please email Danielle.mcdonald@asda.co.uk