Supplier Relationship Lead

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Supplier Relationship Lead to oversee and optimise relationships with third-party Tech service providers. As a key member of the technology function, you will be responsible for developing and executing a supplier relationship strategy, ensuring that all third-party engagements align with business objectives, service level agreements (SLAs), and compliance standards. Your role will be pivotal in managing the commercial and operational aspects of our Tech supplier ecosystem, ensuring that our partners deliver maximum value while mitigating risks.,

• Supplier Strategy & Governance: Develop and implement a supplier relationship management strategy to optimise supplier performance, reduce risk, and ensure alignment with business goals.
• Ensuring our sourcing and renewal strategy roadmap is aligned to our target architecture roadmap.
• Contract & Commercial Management: Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, ensuring cost-effectiveness, value for money, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Performance Monitoring & Compliance: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and SLAs for Tech service providers, continuously monitoring and enforcing performance expectations.
• Operational Oversight: Work in close partnership with internal technology teams to ensure third-party suppliers support and seamlessly integrate into the firm's Tech ecosystem and architecture.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with third-party engagements, including data security, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as the primary liaison between internal stakeholders and suppliers, ensuring clear communication and resolution of service-related issues.
• Issue Resolution: When issues arise with third parties, lead the engagement and secure timely and proportionate resolutions whilst protecting the firm's interests.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive initiatives to enhance supplier service quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovation.
• Financial & Budget Oversight: Work closely with Finance and Tech teams to manage budgets and cost-saving initiatives related to Tech suppliers.
• Lead and co-ordinate procurement activity to support business requirements for new and renewing engagements and in alignment with the organisation.
  
  Experience: 5+ years in supplier management or Tech operations, preferably within a professional services environment.
• Experience of onboarding and negotiating AI contracts ensuring future compliance with the upcoming AI Act.
• Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of contract negotiation, pricing models, and financial management of supplier relationships.
• Technical Knowledge: Significant experience with Tech outsourcing, managed services, and technology contracts.
• Technology Outsourcing Experience: Proven experience working with technology outsourcing partners and understanding complex technology environments.
• Stakeholder Management: Excellent communication and influencing skills to engage with senior stakeholders, suppliers, and cross-functional teams.
• Risk & Compliance Awareness: Strong understanding of Tech compliance, risk management, and regulatory requirements (including data residency).
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to assess supplier performance data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Problem-Solving: Proactive approach to resolving supplier issues and optimising service delivery.
  
  The Mishcon de Reya Group is an independent, international professional services business with law at its heart, employing over 1400 people with over 650 lawyers. It includes the law firm Mishcon de Reya LLP and a collection of leading consultancy businesses that complement the firm's legal services.
Mishcon de Reya LLP is based in London, Oxford, Cambridge, Singapore, Hong Kong and UAE. The firm services an international community of clients and provides advice in situations where the constraints of geography often do not apply.The work the firm undertakes is cross-border, multi-jurisdictional and complex, centred around three increasingly entwined and connected sectors: the Innovation Economy, Private Wealth and Capital, and Real Estate. The firm is known as a disputes powerhouse with a formidable capacity firmwide for dispute resolution. The Mishcon de Reya Group includes consultancy businesses MDR Discover,MDR Mayfair(in London, Singapore and Dubai), MDR ONE, and MDRi(in Hong Kong). The Group also includes MDR Lab, which invests in the most promising early stage legaltech companies as well as the Mishcon Academy, its in-house place of learning and platform for thought leadership. In 2024, the Group announced its first strategic acquisition in the alternative legal services market, flexible legal resourcing business Flex Legal. It also acquired a majority stake in Somos, a global group actions management business. We strive to create a fully diverse and inclusive workplace where all our people are empowered to fulfil their potential. We are proud of our agile working culture and are always happy to talk flexible working.