Group Head of Supplier Relationships

Group Head of Supplier Relationships - Construction / Public Sector

Exeter (home-based with national travel

78,225 + 5,740 Car Allowance + 22% Pension + 44 Days Holiday + Hybrid Flexibility + Gold Standard Organisation + Purpose-Led Culture

Do you have a proven track record in supplier relationship management where your role was to build, influence, and drive performance?

Are you looking for a role that offers autonomy and the opportunity to stamp your mark on a newly created role with further growth opportunities?

This not-for-profit procurement and construction consultancy has been a trusted name in the sector for over half a century. Renowned for its community-first approach, collaborative culture, and Gold Standard recognition, it is dedicated to helping public sector organisations deliver better homes, buildings, and places through innovative, socially responsible procurement solutions.

In this newly created senior role, you'll take the lead on supplier relationship strategy, strengthening partnerships across the UK construction supply chain, ensuring appointed companies deliver excellence, and championing collaboration between suppliers, clients, and regional teams.

You'll be the strategic voice for suppliers across multiple frameworks, driving innovation, maintaining best practice standards, and helping shape how public sector procurement delivers better outcomes for communities nationwide.

The role offers national scope, hybrid flexibility, and genuine influence in a purpose-driven organisation that invests in its people and its impact.

This is a rare opportunity to join a nationally respected not-for-profit consultancy and shape supplier engagement across the UK, combining strategic influence, social value, and the chance to redefine how public procurement delivers for communities.

The Role:
*Lead the national supplier engagement strategy, ensuring high performance, collaboration, and innovation across appointed companies.
*Act as the senior contact and escalation point for all supplier relationships and performance management issues.
*Champion best practice in supplier management - driving continuous improvement and maintaining quality standards.
*Facilitate supplier forums and alliance meetings to share insights, lessons learned, and social value outcomes.
*Work closely with regional and central teams to manage framework performance and ensure client satisfaction.
*Monitor market trends and strengthen the organisation's reputation across the construction and housing supply chain.
*Represent the organisation at national and regional events, promoting engagement, quality, and collaboration.

The Person:
*Proven track record in supplier relationship management, with direct accountability for supplier engagement, performance, and improvement.
*Experience working with or within the public sector, ideally through local authorities, housing associations, or related procurement frameworks.
*Background in supplier management within a construction, housing, or built environment context.
*Knowledge of the construction market and how supply chains, frameworks, and social value intersect.
*Confident engaging senior stakeholders, contractors, and suppliers to achieve shared goals.
*Strategic, commercially minded, and credible - able to balance operational detail with long-term vision.
*Highly organised, self-motivated, and comfortable managing a national role with regional collaboration.
*Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.