Vendor Partner Manager

Job ID:43170
Location:Birmingham : 1 Trinity Park : Bi  
Position Category:Business Development
Position Type:Employee Regular

Who are LRQA?

LRQA stands for dedication to clients, market firsts, and deep expertise in risk management. We’ve grown to become a leading global assurance provider, bringing together outstanding expertise in certification, customised assurance, cybersecurity, inspection and training.

While we’re proud of our heritage, it’s who we are today that really matters, because that’s what shapes who we and our clients can become tomorrow. By staying true to our shared values and combining decades of collective experience, we support our clients in building a safer and more sustainable future.

LRQA currently operates across 50 countries, has more than 2,500 colleagues, generates £400m in revenue, and supports more than 60,000 clients across a diverse range of sectors and markets.

Role Purpose

Vendor partner manager cultivates and manages relationships with external vendors and strategic partners to ensure they align with company goals. This involves negotiating contracts, monitoring performance, optimizing costs, and driving growth through joint business plans. The role requires strong communication, strategic thinking, and financial management skills to maximize value from the partnership. 

Key responsibilities:

• Relationship management: Act as the main point of contact between the LRQA and its vendors/partners, fostering strong, long-term relationships. 
• Strategic planning: Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., sales, marketing, finance) to develop joint business and go-to-market plans that drive revenue growth and achieve strategic objectives. 
• Vendor Portfolio identification, Onboarding and qualification: Assist in the evaluation and onboarding of new vendors and partners to ensure they meet company strategic aims and go to market strategy. 
• Contract negotiation: Negotiate favourable terms in conjunction with senior internal stakeholders, monitor contract compliance, and mitigate risks associated with third-party relationships. 
• Performance monitoring: Track vendor performance, conduct regular evaluations, and implement plans for improvement to ensure quality and efficiency. 
• Cost optimization: Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve business profitability, such as negotiating additional discounts and rebates. 
• Issue resolution: Act as a point of escalation for complex issues that arise and provide support to internal teams regarding vendor programs. 
• Reporting and analysis: Analyse and report on partner initiatives, forecast strategic changes, and provide key performance metrics. 

Essential skills:

• Communication: Strong verbal, written, and non-verbal communication skills are crucial for interacting with internal stakeholders and external partners. 
• Strategic thinking:  Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies that align vendor/partner activities with business goals. 
• Negotiation: Proven ability to negotiate contracts and achieve mutually beneficial agreements. 
• Financial acumen: Understanding of financial principles to manage budgets, optimize costs, and analyse profitability. 
• Leadership: Capability to lead and influence internal teams and external partners to drive successful outcomes. 
• Analytical skills: Ability to analyse data, track performance metrics, and report on key initiatives. 

Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in B2B sales preferably from a vendor or channel background, with a track record in achieving results.
• Must have in-depth knowledge/experience in selling Cyber services
• The ability to communicate fully in English for business purposes (essential).
• A good knowledge of the Risk assurance sector, particular in the areas of cyber, assessment certification, advisory and inspection.
• A formal qualification in sales, business studies and/or a field related to business assurance preferred.

The successful candidate should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Communication, strategic planning and presentation experience.
• Excellent relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Able to work with C-Suite decision makers and develop requirements through a consultative approach.
• Used to working for a global matrix-based organisation
• Able to travel through UK/Ireland where required.

Key Measurements:

• Sales target generated from vendor partner sales via sales team or directly through own efforts
• Sale by Quota bearing rep (QBR) ensuring all attain a minimum sales per annum
• Vendor Margin targets to grow overall value, including growth of sales per vendor based on agreed targets
• Joint Marketing funding use and leverage to increase opportunities and grow pipeline

Pre-Employment Checks 

If you are successful in securing a role with us, we will carry out pre-employment checks in accordance with what is allowed under local law.  

These checks will include, (as permitted):- right to work, identification, verification of employment history, education, and criminal records.

We may involve the third-party supplier to run the background checks as needed and your data will be retained for a period as needed for the purpose of employing you. 

Your data will be stored in accordance with all relevant privacy legislation.  

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. 

Diversity and Inclusion at LRQA:

We are on a mission to be the place where we all want to work and we are passionate about embracing different perspectives because we understand the value this brings to our business, our clients and each other. We are all about creating a safer and more sustainable future and our inclusive culture is right at the heart of our business.

Together our employees make our communities better and we want you to be part of our diverse team!

LRQA is a leading global assurance provider.  The integrity and expertise we bring to our partnership with clients support their journey to a safer, more secure and more sustainable future. (Group entities).

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