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