Strategic Contracts & Supplier Development Lead

Pertemps Thames Water; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Annual leave 26-30 days

Performance pay

Generous pension

Health benefits

Cycle to Work

Life assurance

Job summary

Thames Water is seeking a Strategic Contracts Manager to drive category plans, manage supplier relationships, and ensure alignment with Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities). The role collaborates with Commercial and Procurement teams to deliver value and support the capital programme.

Base location is Reading, hybrid work; require driving licence. You will lead category projects, negotiate with suppliers, and monitor risks while upholding Thames Water policies.

Qualifications

• Supplier relationship management experience and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Experience in negotiating with suppliers and managing risks.
• Delivery of procurement value for money and cost efficiency.
• Familiarity with procurement policy and statutory guidance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement Category Plans based on market insights and opportunities.
• Build collaborative relationships with the Commercial Team and stakeholders.
• Lead supplier engagement plans and identify opportunities and risks.
• Negotiate commercial terms and apply prudent risk governance.
• Identify and manage category and supplier risks and drive improvements.
• Ensure contracts deliver outputs per agreed terms and maintain records.

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Multi-disciplinary project leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Procurement value for money

Supplier negotiation

Supply chain project delivery

Procurement policy compliance

Communication & stakeholder management

Education

MCIPS Certification

Job description

Thames Water is seeking a Strategic Contracts Manager to drive category plans, manage supplier relationships, and ensure alignment with Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities). The role collaborates with Commercial and Procurement teams to deliver value and support the capital programme.

Base location is Reading, hybrid work; require driving licence. You will lead category projects, negotiate with suppliers, and monitor risks while upholding Thames Water policies.