Agency Framework Manager (Marketing and Communications) Reference: JUL20254891 Location: Flexible in England Contract: Permanent Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week Salary: £39,205.00 - £41,856.00 Per Annum Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave At the RSPB our mission is a big one and we have an ambitious strategy to tackle the nature and climate crisis. We cannot deliver the impact we need with our internal resources alone and require smart, effective use of trusted suppliers to deliver our communications, marketing, fundraising and campaigning activities. As the Agency Framework Manager, you will be responsible for designing, implementing and managing our first procurement framework for agencies, consultants and freelancers, with a remit to maximise value for money, minimise internal transaction costs and deliver maximum impact for the RSPB. Reporting into the Head of Planning & Delivery, you will also have a dotted line into one of our Senior Programme Managers. You will collaborate with Procurement colleagues, as well as key stakeholders across our HQ and Country teams, to initially focus on the setting up and establishment of the Agency Framework. You will then transition into the management and implementation of the Framework, acting as support and consultant to the organisation to ensure our ways of working with external partners are appropriate and robust. This is an important role which needs to embed itself across the organisation and be recognised as the main contact for all marketing and communications agency use. We’re looking for someone who is skilled at navigating internal cultures, comfortable making decisions and having sometimes difficult conversations with both internal and external parties, and able to communicate effectively at all levels. Key activities will include: Design, implement and manage an agency framework for all comms, marketing, fundraising, and campaigning agency spend in line with central procurement processes and policies. Work collaboratively with the Procurement team on the tendering process for the creation of the agency framework, working with subject matter experts to ensure we have the right suppliers to meet the needs of the organisation. Develop user friendly templates and documentation to make the process of engaging an agency as clear and simple as possible. Provide support and guidance for internal teams with the creation of effective briefs, making sure the information we’re providing to agencies is appropriate. Provide support and guidance for internal teams during the ‘call off’ process for individual pieces of work, helping to navigate conversations and identify solutions/next steps. Provide ongoing supplier management, conducting regular reviews with suppliers and internal teams. Putting in place relevant recommendations to ensure all parties are getting maximum benefit. Act as the main point of escalation for agencies and internal key stakeholders, working quickly to resolve any issues and find solutions. Have oversight of agency spend across the organisation. Ensure agreed spend has gone through the appropriate prioritisation frameworks, that budgets are appropriate and that we are getting best value for money. Provide reports and analysis to senior leaders on the efficacy of our external agency relationships and contribution towards strategy. Essential skills, knowledge and experience: Demonstrable understanding and experience of supplier management and procurement best practice. Demonstrable experience of working with third parties to deliver impactful and cost-effective communications, marketing and campaigning activity. Understanding of content, design and creative delivery processes and skill sets. Understanding of multiple disciplines within a large charity or complex organisation, for example Brand, Fundraising, Campaigning etc Excellent interpersonal skills - building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Ability to negotiate and influence to secure positive outcomes for the RSPB. Confident in being able to challenge where necessary and ensure we are getting best value for money. Strong written and verbal communication to be able to communicate requirements, expectations and changes in an efficient and effective manner. Cost and budget management. Desirable skills, knowledge and experience: An understanding of Project Management frameworks and processes Closing date: 23:59, Friday, 22nd August 2025 We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 8th September 2025. Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our recruitment partner's website to complete your application for this position. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is  covered by  the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is  not  eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. No agencies please.