Location
Hybrid – Clear Water Court, Reading RG1 8DB

Hours
Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week

Salary
Up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience

About the Role
This role will play an integral part in working with Commercial and Procurement colleagues and the wider business to ensure our supply chain plays a critical role in delivering the capital programme on time and within budget. Thames Water’s supply chain strategy focuses on collaborating with suppliers to identify innovative and best practice solutions that meet business objectives. Reporting to the Capital Procurement team, you will ensure compliance with Thames Water supply chain objectives and enhance value by supporting the business to make informed decisions on sourcing requirements from in-scope spend areas.

Key responsibilities include:
- Developing category-wide sourcing approaches
- Leading strategy development for specific projects allocated by the Capital Procurement Business Partner, aligned with agreed category strategies
- Managing and prioritising multiple sourcing initiatives effectively through agile project delivery and problem-solving skills
- Leading a multi-disciplinary team through the procurement process with full internal stakeholder engagement and adherence to Thames Water sourcing methodology
- Building deep and trusting relationships with stakeholders and engaging and influencing at senior levels
- Collaborating with stakeholders on contract launch responsibilities and preparing for handover to Contract Management for in-life management
- Developing effective supply market relationships that generate positive and value-driven outcomes
- Creating compelling, well-structured, accurate reports, documents, and presentations tailored to all levels of the business internally and externally
- Ensuring timely and accurate reporting on sourcing projects using available reporting tools

What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience
- 26 days annual leave increasing to 30 days with length of service (plus bank holidays)
- Car allowance
- Performance-related pay plan linked to company performance measures and targets
- Generous pension scheme through AON
- Private medical healthcare
- Access to a wide range of benefits supporting health, wellbeing, and finances including annual health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers, and life assurance

Join Thames Water and be part of the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers. We are committed to building a better future for our customers, communities, people, and the planet. Together, we can make a real difference.

Experience
- Extensive strategic sourcing experience
- Proven track record in delivering procurement value for money, cost efficiency, and procurement innovation
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary project teams
- Skilled in engaging with internal stakeholders and the supply chain
- Experience leading supply chain project delivery
- Proven ability to manage external relationships and negotiate with suppliers
- Some industry and business knowledge

About you
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to build deep and trusting relationships and influence at senior levels
- Efficient in managing spend and information gathering processes by working with business stakeholders, suppliers, and third parties
- Skilled in supplier negotiations and dispute resolution

Qualifications
- Familiarity with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities) is desirable
- Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS qualification is a plus