Supplier Assurance Manager

Job Title: Supplier Assurance Manager
Location: Basingstoke - Hybrid (3 days per week)
Employment Type: Permanent / Full Time

AA Summary

The AA is one of the UK's most well-known and trusted brands. We provide a range of services to millions of customers, from roadside assistance to financial services, insurance, and driving lessons. Our mission is to help keep Britain moving, and we're looking for dedicated individuals to join our team. Are you ready to join?

This is the job

Are you passionate about ensuring quality and compliance? Reporting to the Head of Assurance, this pivotal role involves evaluating and overseeing our suppliers to ensure they meet contractual obligations, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. You will be instrumental in maintaining our reputation for excellence by identifying risks, driving improvements, and ensuring adherence to both internal and external standards.

What will I be doing?

• Develop and maintain a supplier audit schedule in line with risk assessments and business priorities, in conjunction with the Head of Procurement Technology and SRM and the Procurement Operations Lead.
• Conduct on-site and remote audits of suppliers to evaluate compliance with contractual agreements, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Review supplier documentation, processes, and controls to identify gaps and risks.
• Assess the relevant suppliers against key performance indicators (KPIs), contractual SLAs, and regulatory requirements.
• Identify potential risks and non-conformances, and provide actionable recommendations to mitigate them.
• Ensure suppliers align with The AA's values and standards, including ethical sourcing, data protection, and environmental practices.
• Prepare detailed audit reports outlining findings, risks, and recommended corrective actions.
• Communicate audit outcomes to suppliers and relevant internal stakeholders, and report findings and MI into the Supplier Governance Committee, and into the Supply Chain Resilience workstream.
• Follow up on corrective actions to ensure implementation and resolution of non-conformances.
• Work closely with procurement, risk, compliance teams, and supplier performance leads to improve supplier management processes.
• Work with the Head of Assurance to develop reporting dashboards and support the production of insightful management information and value-add reports for governance committees and forums, including particularly the Supplier Governance Forum.
• Stakeholder management across the wider business with colleagues including the senior leadership team, to communicate scope, discuss review findings and agree actions.
• Delivery of well-written structured reports that prescribe appropriate, relevant, and pragmatic corrective action.
• Work closely with the wider 2nd line assurance functions to continually improve processes and systems for assurance reviews, with an emphasis on business service levels, productivity, efficiency optimisation, and long-term benefits.

What do I need?

• At least 6 years' experience in auditing, quality assurance, or supplier management.
• Strong understanding of relevant regulatory and industry standards (e.g., ISO standards, GDPR, FCA regulations, etc).
• Excellent analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build effective relationships with suppliers and internal teams.
• Familiarity with risk assessment frameworks and tools.
• Proficiency in preparing reports and presenting findings in a clear, concise manner.
• Experience with people management, delivering feedback, and mentoring.
• Demonstrable experience of working with, and challenging, senior managers.
• Proven track record of annual planning and delivery of compliance/assurance monitoring.
• Objective, timely, and good decision-making skills.
• Self-management planning and organisation to prioritise workloads, meet service level agreements, and keep up to date with business developments.
• Experience in the insurance or automotive industries (desirable).

Additional information

We're always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you'll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme.
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution.
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends.
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance.
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays, and more.
• Company funded life assurance.
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career.
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family.

Plus, so much more!

We're an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best, and feel like you truly belong.