Contract Manager

Job title Contract Manager  Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery Location Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB
Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Hours 36 hours per week Salary Offering between £46,500 to £55,000 per annum depending on experience and skills Job grade B Closing date 02/01/2026

Thames Water is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our expanding team. This role will be based in our offices in Reading.

You will receive a competitive salary depending on your level of experience and a great package which includes a car allowance, competitive contributory pension and a wider benefits scheme which includes an annual pay review, season ticket loans and loyalty awards for continuous service plus much more.

In your role as Contracts Manager, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of Thames Water operational contracts. Driving performance, developing relationships with suppliers, identifying commercial opportunities and service improvements will be key activities in this role. The role will also include line management of a small number of staff.

This role is located within Thames Water’s Operational Projects and Logistics Team (OPAL). Current contracts cover several key business activities, including waste network services, leak detection, fleet services, haulage, plant and equipment hire, facilities management, waste management and many more. OPAL contracts play a key role in the overall operation of Thames Water’s activities and as such, are high profile within the business.

You will be the responsible Contract Manager for a portfolio of contracts across a range of operational activities, meaning no two days are the same! With several existing and new contracts within OPAL requiring contract management, there is a real opportunity to take ownership of these agreements, develop relationships with suppliers and drive performance to deliver exceptional service to our internal and external customers.

• Manage supplier relationships, acting as the named contract signatory for contractual matters on a portfolio of contracts.
• Manage the performance of contractors by the relevant contract requirements and business operational needs, to ensure the best value and services from suppliers are achieved.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and communicate relevant contract information as required.
• Identify and implement opportunities/improvements for commercial efficiencies across operational activities and contracts.
• Lead on contract negotiations and implementation of contract variations as required.
• Provide contract-related issue resolution for any arising disputes with suppliers.
• Ensure that all processes followed are in line with legislation and company policies and are auditable with key documents, information and communications confidentially stored.
• Line management is responsible for a small number of Contract Performance Coordinators, who will assist with to day running of the contracts.
• Complete contract close-out, reviewing contracts for extension or renewal, and assisting procurement teams where applicable for re-procurement.

• We are seeking an experienced contract manager with demonstrable experience in managing operational contracts (be that a large-scale high-value contract or a portfolio of contracts).
• A strong technical understanding of commercial and contract management.
• Keen attention to detail and good analytical skills are required.
• Excellent written skills and an ability to communicate information and influence key stakeholders at all levels (internal and external to the company) are a must.

• Offering between £46,500 to £55,000 per annum, depending on experience and skills.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12%
  -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• A wider benefits scheme, including our benefits hub, is packed…