Location
Reading (Hybrid - Clear Water Court)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£50,000 to £63,000 per annum depending on experience

About the Role
Reporting to the Supplier Relationship Manager, 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. You will play an integral role working with Commercial and Procurement colleagues and the wider business to ensure our supply chain is critical in delivering the capital programme on time and within budget. Thames Water’s supply chain strategy focuses on collaboration to identify innovative and best practice solutions to meet business objectives.

As an experienced Procurement professional, you will be accountable for delivering category and supplier development plans in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities) and Thames Water Policies and Procedures.

Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing Category Plans based on market insights, trend analysis, opportunities, and risks
- Building collaborative relationships within the Commercial Team and with suppliers
- Creating and executing engagement plans for current and potential suppliers
- Prioritising and managing a pipeline of strategic and tactical sourcing activities
- Leading category projects and initiatives, supporting Strategic Sourcing Managers as needed
- Negotiating commercial and contractual matters, balancing contractual risk and supply resilience
- Driving supplier relationships that foster delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Sharing supplier developments with Thames Water stakeholders
- Reviewing supplier opportunities and innovations within your category
- Acting as the key interface with the supply chain to ensure contract compliance and delivery
- Identifying and managing category and supplier risks, escalating when necessary
- Maintaining accurate and secure records using information systems
- Providing timely and accurate reporting on sourcing projects

Additional Information
Base location is hybrid at Clear Water Court, Reading.
A full UK Driving Licence is required.

Experience
- Supplier relationship management, including developing long-term relationships
- Managing multi-disciplinary project teams
- Engaging effectively with internal stakeholders and the supply chain
- Proven track record of delivering against challenging targets
- Strong negotiation skills and managing external supplier relationships
- Leading supply chain project delivery
- Delivering procurement value for money, cost efficiency, and innovation

About you
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Skilled in managing spend and information gathering processes with business stakeholders, suppliers, and third parties
- Proficient in supplier negotiations and dispute resolution
- Ability to influence and present to senior levels effectively
- Familiarity with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities) is desirable
- Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS qualification is a plus

Qualifications
- Full UK Driving Licence (essential)
- Relevant procurement qualifications or equivalent experience preferred