Job Description

About us

Our GNFR Procurement and Vendor Management function sets a bold strategic direction aligned to enterprise-wide Risk Management, Value Creation through sourcing, and Value Preservation throughout the contract lifecycle. As a newly established function, we combine strong commercial capability with a proactive governance model to protect and enhance operating leverage for Halfords Group.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a newly formed team with a mandate to transform how we source, manage, and govern third‑party spend. Our ambition is bold: to build a high-performing GNFR Procurement and Vendor Management capability that delivers commercial excellence, strengthens risk controls, and creates long-term value for the business.

About the role

As a Supplier Manager at Halfords, you’ll be at the heart of our Supplier Management Centre of Expertise (CoE), driving value by ensuring contract benefits are fully realised from consolidation and sourcing to negotiation. As a Supplier Manager, you will be responsible for the effective management of our supplier’s compliance and performance, including risk assessment, uncover savings opportunities, lead projects to simplify our Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) cost base, and empower data-driven decisions around renewals, negotiations, and Supplier development.

We’re looking for a proven Supplier Manager with a strong track record of building robust, strategic relationships and delivering results across complex Operational, Property, Logistics, and Technology environments. If you’re ready to make an impact on time, cost, and quality, this is your chance to join a forward-thinking team.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the onboarding and implementation of key Supplier relationships, collaborating across internal teams to ensure successful setup, ongoing management and cooperation.
• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of cost drivers and trends to identify opportunities and efficiencies. You will also analyse total cost of ownership for end-to-end Supplier processes to identify opportunities and efficiencies.
• Provide critical support during the hyper-care phase for critical Suppliers, driving performance insights and enabling smooth handover to budget holders.
• Manage key Supplier relationships with balance scorecards and to identify performance trends, delivering strategic insights and management information to inform future decisions.
• Collaborate with Supplier Managers across the organisation to implement consistent processes and controls aligned with Group CoE standards.
• Run governance meetings and use strong commercial acumen to solve complex challenges, engaging stakeholders and driving clear, actionable risk mitigation strategies.
• Collect and analyse Supplier compliance and performance data to influence contract reviews, renewals, and project benefit realisation.
• Identify supplier risks and manage and mitigate ongoing risk register.
• Own Supplier development for key Goods and Services, supporting operations and teams to create sustainable, innovative, and market-aware requirements.
• Identify and act on opportunities for continuous improvement, to simplify, consolidate, and enhance engagement with Suppliers.
• Serve as an escalation point for Supplier issues, providing expert advice and guidance to resolve challenges effectively.

About you

• Established experience in Supplier Management, delivering strong results across strategic areas including Operational, Property, Logistics, and Technology functions.
• Skilled in managing Suppliers within matrix environments, collaborating effectively with product and service owners, finance teams, and project managers across multiple departments.
• Exceptional relationship management abilities, transforming Supplier interactions from transactional to strategic partnerships that create value for customers, employees, and Suppliers alike.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across technical, operational, financial, and commercial teams to achieve business outcomes.
• Experienced in conducting robust negotiations, benchmarking, and developing compelling business cases.
• Curious to learn more about Supplier performance impact on our front line operations in Garages, Retail and B2B services.
• Strong organisational and management skills with a focus on identifying, monitoring, and extracting insights from Supplier relationships.
• Results-driven with a history of successful execution, including managing change, transitions, and monitoring Total Cost of Ownership.
• Proficient in supplier data analysis and performance management, able to clearly communicate progress, risks, dependencies, and budget adherence.

Reward & benefits

• A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, annual discretionary bonus scheme, pension, life assurance, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave.
• Commitment and dedication to your ongoing personal and professional development. We help you to own and grow your potential so you can be at your best in your current role and to support your future career aspirations.
• We offer hybrid working in our Support Centre, you will be based at our Support Centre 3 days a week with an optional 2 days working from home.
• You will have access to a wealth of employee discounts across the Halfords suite of products and services.
• Wellbeing and inclusion are at the heart of our colleague experience. We offer resources and ongoing support to enhance your wellbeing at work and active Colleague Networks supporting inclusion initiatives across Halfords.

Not sure you meet all the criteria? We'd encourage you to take the wheel and apply anyway! At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We're an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our one Halfords Family.

At Halfords, we operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch, Worcestershire, or out in our Garages business supporting front line teams.