Job Description:

This role will play an integral part, working with Commercial and Procurement colleagues and the wider business, in ensuring our supply chain plays a critical role to make sure that the capital programme is delivered to programme and budget. Thames Water’s supply chain strategy is based on collaborating with the supply chain to identify innovative and best practice solutions to meet business objectives.

Reporting to the Capital Procurement, this role will be expected to ensure compliance with Thames Water supply chain objectives and enhancing value by supporting the business to make informed decisions on sourcing requirements from in-scope spend areas.

What you’ll be doing as a Senior Strategic Sourcing Manager
Sourcing

• Developing Category wide sourcing approaches
• Leading strategy development for specific projects as allocated by the Capital Procurement Business Partner, in line with agreed category strategies
• Project management and prioritisation of several 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 following Thames Water sourcing methodology

Stakeholder Management

• Building deep and trusting relationships with Thames Water stakeholders with an ability to engage and influence at senior levels
• Working with stakeholders on the responsibilities for contract launch and prepare for handover to Contract Management for in-life management
• Development of effective relationships with the supply market which generate positive and value driven outcomes

Communication

• Creating compelling, well-structured, accurate reports. documents and presentations and effectively deliver to all levels of the business (both internally and externally)
• Interactively tailoring the depth of communicated information for specific audiences and situations

Data and Reporting

• Ensuring timely and accurate reporting on the sourcing projects using available reporting tools
• Creating compelling, well-structured, accurate reports. documents and presentations and effectively deliver messages to all levels of Stakeholders (both internal and external)

Base location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court Reading RG1 8DB
Working pattern – Monday to Friday 36 hours

What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• Extensive strategic sourcing experience
• Experience of managing multi-disciplinary project teams
• Engaging with internal stakeholders and the supply chain
• Some industry and business knowledge
• Track record in delivering against stretching targets
• Proven ability to manage external relationships and negotiate with suppliers
• Experience in leading supply chain project delivery
• Track record of delivery procurement value for money, cost efficiency and procurement innovation
• Have good communication and stakeholder management skills

Extra qualities that would be a great fit for our team:

• Efficiently managing spend and information gathering process by working with Business stakeholders, suppliers and third parties
• Skilled in supplier negotiations and dispute resolution
• Familiarity with Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities)
• Chartered Institute Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary of up to £65,000 per annum depending on experience
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Car Allowance
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Private Medical Health Care
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.