Contract Manager

idibu; England; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK water company is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to manage a portfolio of operational contracts. Key responsibilities include supplier management, performance improvement, and contract negotiations. The ideal candidate has a strong background in contract management and excellent communication skills. This role offers a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement, and other benefits, making it a rewarding opportunity for the right individual.

Benefits

Car allowance

Contributory pension

Annual pay review

Season ticket loans

Loyalty awards

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in managing operational contracts.
• Strong technical understanding of commercial and contract management.
• Keen attention to detail is required.

Responsibilities

• Manage supplier relationships as contract signatory.
• Drive contractor performance to ensure value from suppliers.
• Lead contract negotiations and variation implementation.

Skills

Contract management

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Job description

Thames Water is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our expanding team. This role will be based in our offices in Reading. You will receive a competitive salary depending on your level of experience and a great package which includes a car allowance, competitive contributory pension and a wider benefits scheme which includes an annual pay review, season ticket loans and loyalty awards for continuous service plus much more.

In your role as Contracts Manager you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of Thames Water operational contracts. Driving performance, developing relationships with suppliers, identifying commercial opportunities and service improvements will be key activities in this role. The role will also include line management of a small number of staff.

What you’ll be doing as a Contracts Manager

This role is located within Thames Water’s Operational Projects and Logistics Team (OPAL). Current contracts cover several key business activities including waste network services, leak detection, fleet services, haulage, plant and equipment hire, facilities management, waste management and many more. OPAL contracts play a key role in the overall operation of Thames Water’s activities and as such are high profile within the business.

You will be the responsible Contract Manager for a portfolio of contracts across a range of operational activities, meaning no two days are the same! With several existing and new contracts within OPAL requiring contract management, there is a real opportunity to take ownership of these agreements, develop relationships with suppliers and drive performance to deliver exceptional service to our internal and external customers.

• Manage supplier relationships acting as the named contract signatory for contractual matters on a portfolio of contracts.
• Manage the performance of contractors by the relevant contract requirements and business operational needs, to ensure the best value and services from suppliers are achieved.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders and communicate relevant contract information as required.
• Identify and implement opportunities/improvements for commercial efficiencies across operational activities and contracts.
• Lead on contract negotiations and implementation of contract variations as required.
• Provide contract-related issue resolution to any arising disputes with suppliers.
• Ensure that all processes followed are in line with legislation and company policies and are auditable with key documents, information and communications confidentially stored.
• Line management is responsible for a small number of Contract Performance Coordinators, who will assist with day to day running of the contracts.
• Complete contract close-out, reviewing contracts for extension or renewal, and assisting procurement teams where applicable for re‑procurement.

What you should bring to the role

• We are seeking an experienced contract manager with demonstrable experience in managing operational contracts (be that a large‑scale high worth contract or a portfolio of contracts).
• A strong technical understanding of commercial and contract management.
• Keen attention to detail and good analytical skills is required.
• Excellent written skills and an ability to communicate information and influence key stakeholders at all levels (internal and external to the company) is a must.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering between £46,500 to £55,000 per annum depending on experience and skills.
• 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays).
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• A wider benefits scheme, including our benefits hub, is packed with offers and information to save you money and support your well‑being.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

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 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.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.