Summary:
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will play a pivotal role in developing, influencing, and challenging our procurement strategies through close collaboration with key stakeholders.
In this position, you will take full ownership of the procurement lifecycle-from the initial identification of needs and scoping to final delivery and implementation.
Your remit will be diverse, ranging from operational and construction materials to mechanical and electrical equipment.
You will also enhance our approach by identifying tactical value management opportunities, ensuring we optimise outcomes based on customer volumes and specific technical requirements.
Main responsibilities:
Develop and deliver all aspects of end-to-end category management for the range of goods, services and works within your area of responsibility to meet the needs of the business.
Own and manage the category budget, including savings forecasting, tracking and reporting on financial performance against targets.
Work with internal contract owners and stakeholders to agree sourcing strategies aligned to the company's business plan.
Directly manage, coach and develop the Category Buyer(s), setting performance objectives and conducting regular reviews to ensure successful strategy execution.
Monitor market conditions, mitigate risks and ensure that robust contingencies are in place for business critical goods and services and support the business when service or supply issues occur.
Lead the identification of disruptive market opportunities and supplier innovations that can provide a competitive advantage to the business.
Drive environmental, social and corporate governance improvements working with the supply chain and stakeholders and in line with the company's responsible business commitments.
Provide contract management and commercial support to contract owners to maintain high performing collaborative delivery partners.
Develop and maintain effective stakeholder relationships with internal customers.
Ensure compliance with the Utilities Contract Regulations.
Define the strategic data requirements for the category and oversee the effective utilisation of procurement software and analytics to drive category decisions.You'll need:
Skills / Qualifications / Experience
Member of the Charter Institute of Purchase and Supply (MCIPS).
A strong commercial mindset.
Exceptional communication skills (written and verbal).
Self-motivated, committed and organised.
Ability to lead the end-to-end tender process, from initial procurement strategy to tender negotiation and contract award.
A proven ability to solve problems and to drive decision making.
Ability to coordinate with multiple discipline teams working to tight deadlines.
Demonstrated expertise in leading and executing strategic purchasing and supply chain management initiatives.
Demonstrable experience in supply chain management.
Ideally with water industry experience.
Knowledge of the Utilities Contracts Regulations.Employees are required to be flexible and to be prepared to perform duties and other tasks within their capabilities. The nature of our business is such that the contents of any job profile are subject to change from time to time.
We want to be the water company people want to be supplied by and want to work for.
We know the communities we serve are diverse. We recognise creativity comes from diversity not similarity. That's why we are enthusiastic about creating inclusion across age, race, gender, ethnicity, religion and identity. You will experience our dedication to equal opportunities and fair treatment for all: through your recruitment, employment and career progression with South East Water.
Benefits package:
Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution.
5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service.
Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.
Paid volunteering days.
Cycle to work scheme.
Health cash plan.
Life assurance.
Wellbeing related benefits.What can you expect from your recruitment?
To apply for this position, please submit your CV on our career's website.
It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water.
Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, apply now!
South East Water kindly asks that recruitment agencies refrain from submitting CVs to our employees or associates without explicit invitation from our HR Resourcing team. CVs sent on a speculative basis will not be acknowledged and will not assume any responsibility for fees or commissions in the event that we hire a candidate who applied directly or subsequently introduced by an instructed agency.
Compensation package:
Up to £65,000 p.a. (dependent on experience)