Are you ready to shape the future of a critical UK infrastructure programme? As a 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’ll 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.
What you’ll be doing as a Strategic Contracts Manager
* Develop and implement Category Plans for the allocated areas of spend, focusing primarily on capital spends, based on market insights and knowledge, trend analysis, identification of opportunities, and risks
* Lead the development and delivery of category strategies informed by market insight, trends, risks, and opportunities
* Build strong relationships with stakeholders to align category plans with business priorities
* Manage supplier performance through robust governance, reviews, and contract oversight
* Drive continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and added value
* Act as a key interface between Thames Water and its supply chain, ensuring contractual outcomes are achieved
* Identify, manage, and mitigate supplier and category risks
* Explore and develop future supplier capability to support long‑term business needs
Working pattern – Monday to Friday - 36 hours
Necessary requirements for the role - Travel will be required to supplier locations and to meet key stakeholders on Thames Water sites
What you should bring to the role
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need are:
* 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
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Degree or relevant professional qualification (or studying for a Professional Qualification)
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel
Additional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring
* Skilled in influencing and presenting to senior levels
* Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS
* Familiarity with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities)
* Self‑starter and resilient under pressure
* Be a good team player who enjoys working as part of a busy team.
What’s in it for you?
* Competitive salary between £48,000‑£62,000 per annum depending on experience
* Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
* Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
* Generous Pension Scheme through AON
* 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr