The Art of Supplier Relationship Management

In the current economic climate the focus on managing supplier relationships is more important than ever before, requiring supplier and vendor managers to proactively take the lead in developing the relationship through their supplier's account manager. In this session we will take a look at the art and science of managing supplier relationships in order to build trust and collaboration and then release value.Key topics will include: Developing supplier 'IQ' in order to know the account team at a deeper level. Broadening the focus beyond the 'mechanics' of supplier management to proactively find opportunities to release more supplier value. Engaging and influencing the account team (and your internal stakeholders) to build better rapport, surface true intentions and develop the supplier relationship based on trust and collaboration. Keep suppliers motivated, aligned to your goals and performing - especially in medium and long term service contracts. Achieve a balance between challenging performance, using constructive tension, yet maintaining and developing the relationship to build a customer of choice position.Our expertJohn Newton, Executive Consultant and Head of Learning and Development, State of FluxJohn Newton is an Executive Consultant and Head of Learning and Development at State of Flux. He has over 25 years experience in adult education and development in both public sector and multinational commercial settings.\r
\r
John is responsible for leading the design and development of the State of Flux training portfolio and has experience consulting with and delivering supplier management, negotiation and category management training for wide range of clients across industries including: Manufacturing, Electronics and Telecommunications, IT, Oil & Gas, Utilities and Financial.Prior to joining State of Flux, John was the Global Learning Director at NCR Corporation where he managed organisational learning and development for the global sales force, implemented the organisational training strategy for product engineering and implemented competency modeling and workforce readiness programmes for Professional Services and Product Management functions.