Category Manager

Thames Water Utilities Limited; Reading; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

26 days annual leave increasing to 30

Pension scheme

Health and wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Thames Water Utilities Limited in Reading is seeking a Category Manager to develop end-to-end category strategies across short, medium and long horizons, balancing value with commercial risk.

You will provide market insight, lead sourcing activities, and oversee supplier performance while building relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers.

Join a major UK water utilities investment programme and help deliver measurable value across the organisation.

Qualifications

• Experience in category management within a complex supply chain.
• Ability to analyze data and market trends.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship skills.

Responsibilities

• Engage proactively with internal stakeholders to shape category approach and sourcing needs.
• Lead category projects and sourcing events.
• Negotiate with suppliers on commercial and contractual matters.
• Identify and prioritise a sourcing pipeline.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders and manage risk.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Data analysis

Supplier negotiations

Sourcing strategy

Job description

The Category Manager will develop and deliver end-to-end category strategies across short, medium, and long-term horizons, driving value while managing commercial risk.

They provide market insight, lead sourcing activities, and act as the commercial expert, adapting quickly to market changes to secure optimal outcomes. The role also oversees supplier performance and relationships, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with business objectives while delivering measurable value.

We're growing our team and offering a unique opportunity to be part of our most significant investment programme in over 100 years.

• Engage proactively with internal stakeholders to shape category approach, business needs, spend and suppliers
• Be seen by the business as the Procurement /Commercial expert for the category with market knowledge and insight not seen elsewhere
• Understand the category and provide leadership and insight for the business on all aspects of supply market dynamics, regulatory and internal frameworks, suppliers, and technical innovations
• Identify and prioritise a sourcing pipeline as part of category development
• Lead category projects and sourcing events adhering to the required approach
• Negotiating with suppliers on all commercial and contractual matters and applying judgement as to what constitutes an acceptable level of contractual risk and supply resilience
• Lead the review of supplier opportunities, innovations, and improvements
• Develop effective relationships with key functional stakeholders.
• Leaving a legacy of change and improvement in how Commercial is deployed across the organisation
• Operate information systems to the required standard to maintain accurate and secure records
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on the sourcing projects using available reporting tools
• Great understanding and experience of operating in complex supply chain environments
• Ability to challenge industry norms and proactively seek out opportunities to deliver sustained improvements in performance.
• Track record in continuous improvement and ability to deliver against stretching targets.
• Good understanding of pre and post deal processes and how better information and improvements in process can deliver value to the organisation
• Experience of working with key suppliers.
• Ability to analyse data
• Holistically manage risk
• Capable of leading complex supplier negotiations up to £100m in value

We're the UK's largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It's a big job and we've got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you'll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you're looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people's lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we'll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We're committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that's extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we're here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you'll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It's also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.

• Competitive salary of up to £62,000 per annum depending on experience
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family's health and wellbeing, and your finances - from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance