* Situation Analysis: The supply manager receives a complaint from an internal stakeholder about a long-time supplier's recent delays in shipments.
* Atypical Behavior: The supply manager acknowledges that this behavior is not typical for this supplier, indicating an understanding of the supplier's historical performance.
* Action Taken: The supply manager offers to set up a call between the internal stakeholder and the supplier to discuss the issue.
* Role Clarification: The supply manager's role in this situation involves facilitating communication between the internal stakeholder and the supplier to resolve the issue.
* Mediator Role: This role is best described as a mediator, as the supply manager is acting as an intermediary to help both parties come to a mutual understanding and find a way to move forward.
References
* ISM Professional Series: Supplier Relationship Management
* CIPS Knowledge on Conflict Resolution in Procurement