Are you ready to shape the future of a critical UK infrastructure programme? As a Contracts Manager at Thames Water, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving value through our supply chain – ensuring our capital programme is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.
What you’ll be doing as a Strategic Contracts Manager
- Develop and implement Category Plans for the allocated areas of spend, focusing primarily on capital spends, based on market insights and knowledge, trend analysis, identification of opportunities, and risks
- Lead the development and delivery of category strategies informed by market insight, trends, risks, and opportunities
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders to align category plans with business priorities
- Manage supplier performance through robust governance, reviews, and contract oversight
- Drive continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and added value
- Act as a key interface between Thames Water and its supply chain, ensuring contractual outcomes are achieved
- Identify, manage, and mitigate supplier and category risks
- Explore and develop future supplier capability to support long‑term business needs
Base location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court, Reading
Working pattern – Monday to Friday, 36 hours
Travel will be required to supplier locations and to meet key stakeholders on Thames Water sites.
What you should bring to the role
- Proven experience managing supplier relationships and delivering category strategies
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving value, cost efficiency, and innovation
- Ability to influence stakeholders and shape business decisions using market insight
- Experience delivering supply chain or procurement projects
- Some understanding of Utility and/or Infrastructure business operations, ideally working with Capital/Construction suppliers
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Degree or relevant professional qualification (or studying for a Professional Qualification)
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Additional skills and experiences that would be great to have
- Skilled in influencing and presenting to senior levels
- Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS
- Familiarity with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities)
- Self‑starter and resilient under pressure
- Be a good team player who enjoys working as part of a busy team
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary between £48,000–£62,000 per annum depending on experience
- Annual Leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON
- Access to a range of benefits to support health, wellbeing, and finances, including annual health MOTs, access to physiotherapy and counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance
#J-18808-Ljbffr