Programme Procurement Manager Location & working pattern: Hybrid working model, split between Peterborough and London offices, with 2-3 days per week in the office and the remainder working from home. Contract: Permanent NEC KNOWLEDGE IS ESSENTIAL About the role This is a senior procurement role supporting the delivery of a large-scale, nationally significant infrastructure and capital delivery programme within the UK water sector. The role will play a critical part in shaping and delivering procurement strategies that enable successful programme outcomes, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver long-term value for customers. You will be responsible for planning, managing, and delivering complex, high-value strategic sourcing activity across a multi-phase capital programme. Acting as a trusted commercial partner, you will work closely with senior stakeholders across engineering, project delivery, commercial, legal, and finance teams. Key responsibilities Strategic sourcing and commercial delivery Develop, own, and manage a portfolio of complex procurement activity aligned to major infrastructure and capital delivery objectives Design and deliver end-to-end sourcing strategies, from early market engagement through tendering, negotiation, contract award, and mobilisation Lead high-value and high-risk commercial negotiations using appropriate sourcing tools and methodologies Ensure procurement activity delivers measurable value, balancing cost, risk, performance, resilience, and long-term sustainability Stakeholder engagement and business partnering Build strong, credible relationships with senior stakeholders across programme, engineering, and corporate functions Act as a trusted commercial adviser, providing clear procurement guidance and constructive challenge Translate programme and project requirements into robust procurement and contracting strategies Influence decision-making through clear, evidence-based recommendations supported by market and commercial insight Market insight, governance, and compliance Develop and maintain a deep understanding of relevant supply markets, including capacity, capability, cost drivers, and risk factors Identify and manage procurement risks and opportunities using data, market intelligence, and forecasting Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, internal governance frameworks, and wider regulatory requirements Contracting and supplier management Lead supplier appointment and onboarding using sourcing methodologies proportionate to value and complexity Ensure contracts are appropriately structured, with clear commercial terms, performance measures, and risk allocation Support effective contract mobilisation and work closely with contract managers to enable successful delivery What we're looking for An experienced procurement professional with a strong background in major infrastructure or capital delivery programmes CIPS qualified to Level 5 minimum, or educated to degree or professional level in procurement, commercial management, or a related discipline Strong working knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and public sector procurement requirements Proven experience delivering complex strategic sourcing projects with significant commercial and risk exposure Strong understanding of contract structures and legal terms; experience with NEC contracts is highly desirable