Contracts Manager

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 34,440 - 39,950; Full time

Job summary

Thames Water in Reading seeks a Contracts Manager to support contract management, supplier engagement and category development. The role is a 26‑week hybrid assignment via Pertemps, paying £25‑£29 per hour, with a 36‑hour week and ASAP start.

You will work with internal stakeholders to refine business needs, balance risk and value, and drive procurement strategies within a structured framework.

Qualifications

• Experience of contract management & administration in a multi stakeholder environment.
• Experience in project and performance management.
• Be able to support negotiation and dispute resolution.
• A good networker with the ability to build productive relationships across all areas of the team.
• Proactive in seeking opportunities to deliver sustained improvements in performance.

Responsibilities

• Support the Category process for allocated categories of spend.
• Administer the operation of allocated agreements, including updates and call-offs.
• Engage with internal stakeholders to shape category approach and spend.
• Identify market insights, trends, opportunities and risks.
• Support supplier engagement and contract changes or escalations.

Skills

Contract management

Administration

Stakeholder liaison

Supplier engagement

Category development

Project management

Performance management

Negotiation

Dispute resolution

Networking

Education

Degree educated or equivalent

MCIPS (or studying towards)

Job description

The Contracts Manager position in Reading supports Thames Water’s commercial operations, focusing on contract administration, supplier engagement, and category development. This full-time role, offering £25.00 to £29.00 per hour, involves managing allocated agreements, updating systems, and handling call-offs. You will collaborate with internal stakeholders to refine business needs and spending, while identifying market trends and potential risks. Balancing commercial risk against value opportunities is central to the post, ensuring optimal outcomes for the utility provider. The role demands proactive stakeholder liaison and a keen grasp of category management to drive efficiency. Suitable candidates will possess solid administrative acumen and the confidence to shape procurement approaches within a structured framework.

The Contracts Manager is responsible for supporting contract management & administration, stakeholder management, supplier engagement and category development activities to maximise value and outcomes for Thames Water, balancing commercial risk and value opportunities.

What you’ll be doing as a Contracts Manager

Contract Management & Administration and Category Development

• The ability to support the Category process for the allocated categories of spend.
• Administer the operation of allocated agreements, including keeping systems and guidance documents up to date and call-offs from these awards.
• Engage proactively with internal stakeholders to shape category approach, business needs, spend and suppliers.
• Support the identification of market insights, trends, opportunities, and risks.

Supplier Management & Stakeholder Management

• Support, and lead where required, on supplier engagement on a particular contract, ensuring agreed value is being delivered from the contract.
• Ensures Thames interests are best represented.
• Work with the Supplier Relationship Manager to liaise with the appropriate teams to execute any contract changes or performance escalations/disputes.
• Build relationships with key internal stakeholders to obtain support and engagement in key initiatives.
• Advise the business on contract and supplier issues and questions, requesting support from the Supplier Relationship Manager where required.

This is a temporary role for 6-9 months with an opportunity to go permanent subject to approval, and successful candidates may be considered for any new role.

What you should bring to the role

• Experience of contract management & administration in a multi stakeholder environment
• Experience in project and performance management
• Be able to support negotiation and dispute resolution
• A good networker with the ability to build productive relationships across all areas of the team and collaborate with colleagues to build flexible solutions which work for them and the organisation as a whole.
• Ability proactively seek out opportunities to deliver sustained improvements in performance

Extra qualities that would be a great fit for our team:

• Chartered Institute Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS (or studying towards); and/or Degree educated or equivalent.

What’s in it for you?

• Hourly Pay rate: £25-£29 per hour
• Location: Hybrid - Clear Water Court Reading
• Length of assignment: 26 weeks
• Required Start date: ASAP
• Hours: 36
• Please note you will be on assignment at Thames Water via Pertemps

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 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?

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 your 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.