Location
Hybrid – Clear Water Court, Reading

Hours
Monday to Friday - 36 hours per week

Salary
£48,000 - £62,000 per annum depending on experience

About the Role
Are you ready to shape the future of a critical UK infrastructure programme? As a Strategic 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. You will work at the heart of Procurement and Commercial, partnering with internal stakeholders and suppliers to unlock innovation, manage strategic relationships, and deliver real business impact.

Your key responsibilities will include developing and implementing Category Plans for allocated areas of spend, focusing primarily on capital expenditure, based on market insights, trend analysis, and risk identification. You will lead the development and delivery of category strategies, build strong stakeholder relationships to align plans with business priorities, and manage supplier performance through robust governance and contract oversight.

Driving continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and added value will be essential. You will act as a key interface between Thames Water and its supply chain to ensure contractual outcomes are achieved, while identifying, managing, and mitigating supplier and category risks. Additionally, you will explore and develop future supplier capabilities to support long-term business needs.

Travel will be required to supplier locations and Thames Water sites to meet key stakeholders.

Experience
- 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

About you
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Skilled in influencing and presenting to senior levels (desirable)
- Self-starter and resilient under pressure
- A good team player who enjoys working as part of a busy team

Qualifications
- Degree or relevant professional qualification (or studying for a Professional Qualification)
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
- Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS (desirable)
- Familiarity with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities) (desirable)