Supplier Audit Manager

The CompanyWe are working on behalf of a large, complex organisation operating a mixed fleet of commercial vehicles and cars across the UK. With a strong focus on safety, compliance and operational excellence, the business manages a decentralised supplier network and places high importance on governance, assurance and continuous improvement.This appointment will strengthen technical oversight, supplier assurance and procurement governance within a critical operational function.The RoleThis is a senior operational assurance role responsible for supplier auditing, technical compliance and procurement governance across external maintenance, inspection and specialist service providers.Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering a structured supplier audit programme, covering workshops, dealerships and maintenance/inspection providers
• Providing technical assurance on vehicle maintenance quality, inspection standards and statutory compliance across a mixed fleet
• Reviewing safety inspections, MOT preparation, defect reporting, LOLER and PUWER activity
• Agreeing, tracking and closing out corrective action plans where compliance or standards fall short
• Supporting procurement activity including tenders, supplier selection and contract governance
• Managing supplier performance through clear KPIs covering quality, compliance, cost and service reliability
• Investigating vehicle incidents, defects and safety-related failures, producing clear and robust reports
• Supporting legal and regulatory compliance through strong record keeping, audit evidence and reporting
• Using fleet systems and data analysis to identify trends, risks and improvement opportunities
• Acting as a technical and compliance advisor to internal stakeholders

This role offers a high degree of autonomy and visibility, balancing supplier relationship management with robust assurance and governance.The Person:You are an experienced fleet, transport or engineering professional with strong technical credibility and assurance capability, comfortable operating across compliance, suppliers and internal stakeholders.You will ideally bring:

• Strong technical knowledge of vehicle maintenance and workshop standards (commercial vehicles and/or cars)
• Experience auditing external suppliers or contractors in a regulated environment
• Working knowledge of LOLER and PUWER, vehicle inspections and safety requirements
• Background in supplier performance management and procurement support
• Ability to conduct root cause analysis and structured investigations
• Confidence producing clear, evidence-based reports for senior and external audiences
• Strong communication skills, able to challenge constructively while maintaining relationships
• A data-driven approach with good numeracy and analytical capability

Relevant qualifications such as IOSH Managing Safely are expected, with NEBOSH, Transport Manager CPC or ISO knowledge advantageous.This role would suit someone who enjoys balancing detail with influence and wants to play a key part in improving safety, compliance and supplier performance in a complex operational environment.