Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager

North Ryde, NSW
Permanent
Full-time

28 days ago

Job Category: Commercial Contracts and ProcurementJob Description:Are you passionate about building strong supplier partnerships that drive innovation, reduce risk, and deliver measurable impact? This is your chance to be at the forefront of a transformation.We're searching for a Strategic Supplier Relationship Manager to help elevate the way we manage and govern supplier performance across Australia and New Zealand. This role is critical to our ambition of resetting our Procurement and Property function, and we're looking for someone who thrives on creating value and driving results.Reporting to the Group Manager - Strategic Initiatives, you'll work closely with Group-level suppliers and internal stakeholders to optimise supplier performance, ensure compliance, and align outcomes with our broader procurement, ESG, and digital transformation strategies.Key Responsibilities

Supplier Relationship Management

Build and maintain strategic, collaborative relationships with key suppliers to drive innovation, accountability, and mutual value. * Performance Monitoring & Business ReviewsUse KPIs, scorecards, and data analytics to evaluate supplier performance. Conduct regular business reviews to ensure delivery against contractual obligations. * Risk & Compliance OversightIdentify supplier risks (e.g. financial, cyber, operational) and support the development of mitigation plans. Ensure compliance with company policies, ESG requirements, and regulatory standards. * Contract Management & Commercial SupportAssist in negotiating and managing long-term agreements and contract amendments. Monitor monthly spend and cost trends in alignment with contract terms and budget expectations. * Stakeholder CollaborationPartner with internal stakeholders - including Procurement, Legal, Finance, and Business Units to align supplier activities with business strategy and operational needs. * Innovation & Continuous ImprovementPromote supplier-led innovation and identify opportunities for process optimisation, efficiency, and the application of digital tools including AI. * Audit & ReportingFacilitate contract compliance audits and contribute to robust reporting frameworks that support strategic decision-making and benefit realisation.What You Will Bring

A high-performance mindset and passion for driving business value
Proven experience in strategic supplier or category management
Tertiary qualification in Business, Supply Chain, or a related field (or equivalent industry experience)
Minimum 5-7 years of experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or supplier management within a large, complex organisation
Strong understanding of IT procurement or technology supply chain (mandatory)
Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and presentation skills
Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
Proven experience in reviewing contracts and understanding legal and compliance obligations
Ability to drive strategic outcomes and build alignment across senior leadership
High attention to detail and a proactive mindset towards risk management and continuous improvement
Comfortable working with digital tools, data platforms, and emerging procurement technologies

Benefits of Working with Downer

Work with an ASX listed company, working with market leaders.
Grow your career with us, we are passionate about giving our people opportunities to grow through personal and professional development and continuous learning:

Professional development programs

Access to professional memberships and industry networks
Be part of a team that cares, we foster a work environment built on support that is flexible around our employee's wellbeing needs:

Flexible work arrangements

Parental leave
Employee Assistance Program
Programs promoting diversity and inclusion
A range of Corporate Benefits, including:

Discounted services (car hires, hotels, insurance, retail stores, gyms)

Downer Group

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