Role purpose

• Responsible for managing a portfolio of partners with the objective of ensuring all services provided by our partners are fit-for-purpose and cost effective. Where appropriate in-line with ITIL best practice. 
• Working in conjunction with the internal stakeholders, with the objective of ensuring that the services provided, by our partners, are managed and measured according to the agreed contractual commitments.
• To drive continuous service improvement, for the benefit of VMO2 is a key responsibility of this role. To act as a single point of contact for any partner issues and to own any initiatives to improve any performance issues.  Ensure that all financial aspects (i.e. budgeting, purchase orders etc.) of the relationship are managed efficiently and effectively and do not impact the provision of services in anyway.

Key responsibilities & accountabilities
 

• To co-ordinate and service manage, in-line with ITIL best practice where appropriate, a portfolio of partners to ensure that they perform against set criteria / KPI’s, as set out in the relevant contract.
• To ensure that the services provided by the partners is fit-for-purpose and delivers against VMO2’s requirements. 
• Collate and analyse performance data from various sources including the partner for day-to day management and create exec level reports as appropriate/required.
• Develop SMART KPI’s that measure the performance of our partner’s ensuring that any contracted services are fit-for-purpose and value for money. 
• To own the content of all service schedules (contracts) ensuring that any updates or changes are reflected once agreed and signed-off as part of our contractual governance procedures. 
• Lead ongoing contract management activities throughout the lifecycle, including variations, amendments, price adjustments and management of Contract Change Notices 
• Continually review the contracts and the services with internal stakeholders to ensure that VMO2 get value for money; that the services are delivered in-line with the terms stated and to the satisfaction of our internal customers. 
• Chair regular partner review meetings with the support of stakeholders with our partners account team to report and review their performance.  The main focus of the meeting will be on their overall performance in delivery of services, managing issues/escalations and compliance to the relevant contracts. 
• Act as a point of contact for our internal stakeholders in regard to any partner related issue, where needed drive service improvement plans with the various stakeholders and escalate internally and externally (partner’s management) when performance is impacting VMO2. 
• Build relationships with the internal groups within VMO2 to ensure that any agreements for specific partners are fully communicated, understood and accessible to our internal stakeholders. 
• Work within the partner management team in building a partner strategy that targets all aspects of services provided by VMO2 partners to drive performance for the benefit of VMO2. This will include, but not limited to, the continuous improvement of the suppliers services, cost reduction, cost avoidance, in-source/outsource options and joint initiatives with other external companies. 
• Take responsibility for raising all necessary purchase orders, for your portfolio of partners, for payment of services in-line with the terms of the contract.
• Ensure that all purchase orders are tracked against the budget and reported using the agreed tools and reporting methodology.    
• To build relationships and working practices to work “hand in glove” with procurement, finance & legal ensuring that all processes follow the company governance requirements. 
• Assist the Procurement team in collating information for benchmarking partners support pricing to ensure that costs are in-line with industry standards and provide value for money. 
• Act as a services lead as part of any procurement activity (such as RFI’s etc.), ensuring that any new partner are rigorously assessed against their capabilities to provide services to VMO2.   
• Take ownership of any requirement to define support and maintenance schedules as part of any selection process.  Working with internal stakeholders to develop schedules based on their requirements that ensure VMO2 receive cost effective services. 
• Introduction and stand up of new contracts/services 
• Management of contract termination or expiry. Exit planning and management of expiring/terminated contracts/services 
• Develop relationships with VMO2’s third-party partners that are based on our core values; we behave with integrity, honesty, respect and empathy for all.  Treating others as they would like to be treated and valuing everyone’s contribution 
• Own and track all poor performing partners to ensure that any contractual remedies are inforced and claimed as per the terms of any agreement. 
• Mange the budget expenditure for all the services and partners in your portfolio, ensuring adherence to budget and associated reporting 
• Generate the required reports focusing on specific partner development and strategies, taking into account VMO2 needs, market trends and partner capability 
• Ensure that all partners are managed in line with all relevant legal and regulatory requirements. Participate in internal and external as required. 

The must haves:

• Preferred degree level or equivalent in a commercial area such as business studies, finance, sourcing and service management, or demonstrable experience within a similar environment.
• Proven experience in Mobile, Telecoms, Cable or similar industry. 
• Proven record of contract management, relationship/operational experience and addressing complex problems and delivering effective solutions 
• Experience and appreciation of working in a customer focused environment essential. 
• Process definition and implementation experience 
• Proficient in standard office applications with reporting/analytical experience Proven ability to communicate effectively (verbally and written) with internal and external audiences at all levels 
• Flexible and tenacious approach to work 
• Commercial acumen. 
• Ability to interface at the most senior levels (Director, MD, COO…) internally and externally within the Procurement, customer groups or peer operator groups. 
• Strong relationship building, collaboration and influencing skills. 
• Energy and passion to achieve and exceed stretching objectives often delivering within tight timescales. 
• High personal integrity and strong leadership qualities. 
• Flexible in approach to work and able to perform under pressure. 
• Able to dynamically respond to both strategic and tactical operational management requirements. 
• Have the courage to deal with internal and external customers, including management,senior management in achieving the goals of the team and VMO2 
• Must be able to work individually but also as part of a high performing team