IT Supplier Relationship Manager

Sword is a leading provider of business technology solutions within the Energy, Public and Finance Sectors, driving transformational change within our clients. We use proven technology, specialist teams and domain expertise to build solid technical foundations across platforms, data, and business applications. We have a passion for using technology to solve business problems, working in partnership with our clients to help in achieving their goals. 

We are looking for an IT Supplier Relationship Manager, this is a newly created position, offering the opportunity to shape and influence how supplier management is delivered within the organisation. We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, proactive, and brings a clear understanding of what “good” looks like in supplier relationship management — with the confidence to implement best practice and drive improvements.

Responsible for the governance, oversight, and effective management of third-party suppliers supporting the IT function. This role ensures that suppliers deliver against contractual commitments, provide value for money, and align with organisational objectives.

• Maintain and manage the IT supplier portfolio, ensuring accurate supplier records and clear ownership
• Oversee supplier performance, tracking delivery against SLAs, KPIs, and contractual commitments
• Lead monthly service review meetings, driving accountability and continuous improvement
• Establish and facilitate supplier feedback forums to strengthen collaboration and service quality
• Support effective management of the IT budget, ensuring efficient and value-driven spend
• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand requirements and specifications, enabling appropriate sourcing of goods and services
• Manage and resolve supplier-related issues, ensuring timely escalation and resolution
• Ensure suppliers deliver in line with agreed contractual obligations and performance expectations

• Proven experience in supplier/vendor management within an IT environment
• Strong understanding of IT service delivery and contract management
• Ability to manage supplier performance and hold vendors accountable
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Commercial awareness with a focus on cost optimisation and value delivery

At Sword, our core values and culture are based on caring about our people, investing in training and career development, and building inclusive teams where we are all encouraged to contribute to achieve success. We offer comprehensive benefits designed to support your professional development and enhance your overall quality of life. In addition to a Competitive Salary, here's what you can expect as part of our benefits package

• Personalised Career Development: We create a development plan customised to your goals and aspirations, with a range of learning and development opportunities within a culture that encourages growth.

• Flexible working: Flexible work arrangements to support your work-life balance. We can’t promise to always be able to meet every request, however, are keen to discuss your individual preferences to make it work where we can.

• A Fantastic Benefits Package: This includes generous annual leave allowance, enhanced family friendly benefits, pension scheme, access to private health, well-being, and insurance schemes.

At Sword we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and are proud to be an equal opportunities employer, ensuring that all applicants receive fair and equal consideration for employment, regardless of whether they meet every requirement. If you don’t tick all the boxes but feel you have some of the relevant skills and experience we’re looking for, please do consider applying and highlight your transferable skills and experience. We embrace diversity in all its forms, valuing individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity or reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Your perspective and potential are important to us.