Strategic Contracts Manager

Reporting to the Supplier Relationship Manager, 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.

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 in making 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.

As an experienced Procurement resource, this role will be accountable for delivery of category and supplier development plans, whilst ensuring that these are delivered in compliance with Procurement Act
2023 (Utilities) and Thames Water Policies and Procedures.

• Develop and implement Category Plans for the allocated areas of spend, based on market insights and knowledge, trend analysis, identification of opportunities, and risks.
• Build constructive, collaborative relationships with colleagues in the wider Commercial Team
• Develop and implement engagement plans for current and potential supplier
• Identify and prioritise an activity pipeline for both strategic and tactical requirements, for both in-life and sourcing opportunities
• Lead on delivering category projects and initiatives, including supporting Strategic Sourcing Managers as required
• Negotiating with suppliers on all commercial and contractual matters and applying judgement as to what constitutes an acceptable level of contractual risk and supply resilience.
• Build collaborative supplier relationships that support delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Share details of new suppliers and developments with existing suppliers with Thames Water Stakeholders
• Lead the review of supplier opportunities, innovations, and improvements for allocated category area
• Be a key interface with the supply chain for allocated spend area, ensuring contracts and agreements awarded deliver outputs as per the agreed terms
• Identify and manage category and supplier level risks, and escalat[e] where appropriate
• Operate information systems to the required standard to maintain accurate and secure records.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on the sourcing projects using available reporting tools

Base location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court Reading

Necessary requirement - Hold a full UK Driving Licence

• Supplier relationship management experience, including developing long-term relationships
• Experience of managing multi-disciplinary project teams
• Engaging with internal stakeholders and the supply chain
• 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 (e.g. research agencies)
• Skilled in supplier negotiations and dispute resolution
• Chartered Institute Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS
• Familiarity with Procurement Act
  2023 (Utilities)
• Skilled in influencing and presenting to senior levels

• Competitive salary between £50,000 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…