A leader manages suppliers by being clear about outcomes, choosing partners on capability as well as price, measuring a few things that matter, meeting regularly, and dealing with underperformance early and fairly. The supplier relationship is a leadership responsibility, not an admin task.
Managing Contractors and Suppliers: The Leader's Role is a practical guide for FM and estates leaders who depend on contractors to deliver critical services. It explains why accountability stays with the leader and how to manage suppliers with clarity and confidence.
The guide covers prioritising suppliers by consequence, selecting on capability, setting expectations, measuring fairly, running reviews, handling underperformance, managing dependency and deciding when to renegotiate, replace or reinvest.
What the guide covers
- Why accountability stays with you when work is outsourced
- Sorting suppliers into critical, important and routine
- Selecting on capability rather than price alone
- Writing expectations and measuring performance fairly
- Handling underperformance early
- Managing dependency and knowing when to move on
Related guides
Free Maxwell Stephens guides on the same subject:
- In-House or Outsourced FM: Who Should Lead?
- Safety and Compliance Leadership in FM: Who Owns the Duty
- Leading a Multi-Site FM Portfolio
Who this resource is for
FM, estates and workplace leaders, with the procurement, HR and finance colleagues who work alongside them.
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