Strategic Category Manager – Procurement & Supply Chain

Thames Water Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual leave 26–30 days

Generous pension

Health & wellbeing benefits

Job summary

Thames Water Ltd is expanding its team and seeks a Category Manager to develop and deliver end-to-end category strategies across short, medium and long-term horizons. The role focuses on driving value, managing commercial risk, and leading sourcing activities while maintaining supplier performance and relationships.

The position is hybrid with base at Clear Water Court Reading, and requires occasional site visits.

Qualifications

• Experience operating in complex supply chain environments.
• Ability to lead supplier negotiations up to £100m in value.
• Strong data analysis and reporting capabilities.
• Proven track record of delivering continuous improvements.

Responsibilities

• Develop end-to-end category strategies across short, medium and long-term horizons.
• Lead sourcing events and category projects.
• Negotiate with suppliers on commercial and contractual terms.
• Manage supplier performance and relationships for value delivery.
• Provide market insight and act as the commercial expert for the category.

Skills

Complex supply chains

Data analysis

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Sourcing knowledge

Tools

Reporting tools

Job description

Thames Water Ltd is expanding its team and seeks a Category Manager to develop and deliver end-to-end category strategies across short, medium and long-term horizons. The role focuses on driving value, managing commercial risk, and leading sourcing activities while maintaining supplier performance and relationships.

The position is hybrid with base at Clear Water Court Reading, and requires occasional site visits.