Closing Date
2025-12-05
Job Title: Category & Sourcing Manager
Location: Falmer (Brighton)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 per week
Salary: £55,000
Ready to make an impact? Join Southern Water at a pivotal time as we deliver AMP8 – our largest investment programme ever; transforming our infrastructure over the next five years. As a Category & Sourcing Manager, you will have unparalleled exposure to high-value contracts and strategic projects, shaping procurement strategies that influence the future of water and wastewater services. This is a unique opportunity to work with a collaborative team, enjoy autonomy and variety, and play a critical role in driving innovation and value across one of the UK’s most ambitious programmes. There has never been a better time to join our organisation as we build towards a greener future, tackling climate change, minimising our environmental impact and reducing our carbon footprint!
(Please note: we are unable to offer sponsorship on this role)
What You’ll Be Doing
* Develop and implement category strategies for delivery partners and major projects, ensuring alignment with procurement regulations (PA23) and business objectives.
* Lead sourcing and contracting activities, including formal tendering processes, mini competitions, and framework agreements.
* Engage with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions that optimise total cost of ownership.
* Drive cost reduction initiatives through standardisation, demand aggregation, and minimising tail spend.
* Introduce best practices and innovation into category strategies, ensuring continuous improvement.
* Monitor performance and compliance with policies, processes, and governance frameworks.
What We’re Looking For
* Experienced in category management, public sector, or construction industry procurement (UCR or PA23 knowledge desirable).
* Skilled in developing category strategies and managing complex sourcing processes.
* A strong communicator and influencer, able to build relationships with senior stakeholders.
* Commercially aware, with excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
* Proactive and self-sufficient, with a continuous improvement mindset.
Essential
* Recognised procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS or equivalent).
* Experience in construction, utilities, or public sector procurement.
Desirable
* Knowledge of NEC forms of contract.
* Advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint skills.
* Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
Additional Information
* Hybrid working: 2 days in the office.
* Travel: Occasional site visits in the Southern Water region.
* Flexible options: Job share or compressed hours considered.
What’s in it for you?
* Exposure to high-value contracts and strategic projects.
* Opportunity to influence procurement for one of the UK’s largest infrastructure investment programmes.
* Competitive salary and benefits, plus career development opportunities.
Benefits
* Generous pension up to 11% company contribution.
* 25 days annual leave.
* Life assurance equal to 4x salary.
* Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service).
* Health Cash Plan.
* Full funded eye tests.
* Two paid volunteering days a year.
* Occupational health service.
* Discounts with over 800 popular retailers.
* Digital GP service.
* Study support may be available for job-related qualifications.
* Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options.
* Cycle to work scheme.
All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months). If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be considered.
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