Thames Water is looking for a proactive and commercially driven Metering Inventory and Logistics Manager to join our Service Delivery team. At Thames Water, we’re delivering a £500m Smart Metering programme that will transform how we manage water usage and support a more sustainable future. We’re now looking for a commercially astute and data-driven professional to take a lead role in ensuring our inventory and logistics operations run seamlessly at scale.
What you’ll be doing as the Metering Inventory and Logistics Manager
You’ll sit at the heart of this high-profile programme, working closely with our Cost & Financial Planning Manager to ensure metering stock flows efficiently and cost-effectively. You’ll lead key activities across forecasting, procurement, supply chain optimisation and performance reporting, providing the insight and control needed to support successful programme delivery. Working with a wide range of stakeholders from external suppliers and delivery partners to internal logistics, finance and audit teams, you’ll turn complex data into clear, actionable insights that drive effective decision-making.
If you’re a proactive self-starter with strong stock management and logistics expertise, and you thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact at scale.
Key responsibilities
Inventory control
* Lead forecasting for meter installations, translating delivery requirements into accurate stock plans and orders
* Manage stock levels across Thames Water and delivery partner sites, ensuring continuity of supply and mitigating delivery risks
* Own stocktakes and site audits—investigating discrepancies, calculating adjustments and reconciling to the balance sheet in collaboration with Finance
* Oversee Returned Meter Assets (RMA), including calculation and processing of disposals
* Review and analyse balance sheet positions, identifying and resolving anomalies
Systems management
* Oversee end-to-end purchasing and receipting of stock
* Ensure accurate, timely data flow across core systems including SAP ECC, SAP ERP, FSL and Orderwise
* Drive improvements in stock management systems, enhancing visibility, control and efficiency
Supply chain management
* Build and manage relationships with multiple supply chain partners, resolving issues quickly to maintain stock integrity
* Work closely with suppliers and logistics partners to optimise stock levels and distribution
* Lead inventory movements between Thames Water and delivery partner warehouses
Reporting & analysis
* Produce monthly reporting on stock position, usage and performance
* Develop and manage KPIs to protect serviceability and programme performance
* Provide data-led insights to identify trends, drive continuous improvement and support strategic decision-making
Base location: Hybrid – Worcester House, Langley (SL3 6EY), with occasional travel
Hours: 36 hours per week
What you should bring to the Role
Essential
* Strong experience in stock management and logistics
* Experience working with SAP systems in stock and finance environments
* Advanced Excel skills, including building financial models (forecasting and stock management)
* Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret and present data clearly
* Experience in project cost management or a strong finance background
You’ll stand out if you have
* Experience using Power BI or similar reporting tools
* Strong commercial awareness within stock or logistics environments
* Excellent attention to detail
* Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
* Experience working across multidisciplinary teams to deliver shared outcomes
What’s in it for you?
* Competitive salary of £50,000 to £55,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience
* 26 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service (plus bank holidays)
* Performance-related bonus linked to company targets
* Generous pension scheme through Aon
* Flexible benefits package including health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work scheme, shopping discounts and life assurance
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