Supplier relationship management: Level 7

Determines procurement policies for the organisation, including "build or buy" criteria. Develops and deploys mechanisms that lead to positive relationships between the business and suppliers, including overall management and development of the commercial relationships with the senior levels of management in supplier organisations. Is the ultimate point of escalation for issues or problems. Determines organisation's policy and procedures covering the selection of suppliers, tendering and procurement. Is responsible for deployment and review of acquisition processes and for negotiating major contracts.

Supplier relationship management: Level 6

Influences policy and procedures covering the selection of suppliers, tendering and procurement. Deploys highly developed commercial skills to identify and manage external partners, engaging with professionals in other related disciplines (e.g. procurement specialists, lawyers) as appropriate. Is responsible for the management and maintenance of the relationship between the organisation and the supplier. Is well acquainted with the key performance indicators and contractual obligations, and publishes performance and service improvement results. Leads review meetings for major contracts and suppliers. Contributes to, or is responsible for negotiation of major contracts.

Supplier relationship management: Level 5

Maintains a broad understanding of the commercial IT environment, how the organisation sources, deploys and manages external partners and when it is appropriate to use in-house resources. Develops and manages contracts with suppliers to meet key performance indicators and agreed targets. Is responsible for the liaison between the organisation and designated supplier(s). Ensures that supplier performance is properly monitored and regularly reviewed. Advises on policy and procedures covering the selection of suppliers, tendering and procurement. Is responsible for the management and implementation of supplier service improvement actions and programmes.

Supplier relationship management: Level 4

Monitors supplier performance, collects performance data and investigates problems. Resolves or escalates problems. Implements supplier service improvement actions and programmes.

Supplier relationship management: Level 3

Acts as the routine contact point between organisation and supplier. Collects and reports on supplier performance data.