Strategic Category Manager: Sourcing & Supplier Leadership

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

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.