Strategic Supplier Manager - Technology

United Utilities; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10.5% annual bonus

Up to 21% employer pension contributed

26 days annual leave + 8 bank holidays

Hybrid working: 3 days in Warrington

Job summary

United Utilities in Warrington is seeking an experienced Strategic Supplier Manager - Technology to lead the management and development of key supplier relationships. This high‑impact role focuses on maximising value through collaboration, governance, cost optimisation and risk management across critical suppliers.

You will build capability within the Supplier Management team, coach senior stakeholders, and drive savings and innovative improvements while aligning with business objectives.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in strategic supplier management and collaboration.
• Proven track record of delivering commercial savings and performance improvements.
• Strong senior stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic management of 3–4 critical suppliers through the Supplier Management Framework.
• Develop and implement supplier joint account plans and governance structures.
• Deliver savings and benefits aligned to business scorecards.
• Collaborate with Market Management, Sourcing and Operations to maximise value and performance.
• Coach and develop Supplier Managers and Specialists to raise capability.

Skills

Strategic supplier management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Cost optimisation

Governance frameworks

Leadership coaching

Education

Degree qualification

CIPS / MBA / MSc

Job description

Drive Strategic Partnerships. Deliver Commercial Value. Shape the Future.

Location: Warrington (Hybrid Working - 3 Days per Week in the Office)

Salary: Competitive Salary + 10.5% Annual Bonus

We're looking for an experienced and commercially astute Strategic Supplier Manager - Technology to lead the management and development of some of our most critical supplier relationships.

This is a highly influential role, responsible for maximising value from strategic suppliers through effective collaboration, governance, innovation, performance improvement, risk management and cost optimisation. Working across a complex stakeholder environment, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring our supplier partnerships contribute positively to business performance, customer outcomes and long‑term strategic objectives.

If you're passionate about building high‑value supplier relationships, driving continuous improvement and delivering measurable commercial benefits, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

The Role

As a Strategic Supplier Manager - Technology, you'll lead the relationship and performance management of 3 to 4 business‑critical strategic suppliers, implementing the Supplier Collaboration Framework to unlock the fullest value across cost, risk, innovation, performance and relationship outcomes.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across Commercial, Sourcing, Market Management and Operational teams, you'll ensure supplier partnerships remain aligned to changing business needs whilst delivering ongoing savings, benefits and innovation opportunities.

You'll also lead and develop Supplier Managers and Specialists, helping to build capability and embed best practice across the wider Supplier Collaboration function.

What you'll be doing

• Lead the strategic management of 3 to 4 business‑critical suppliers through the full implementation of the Supplier Management Framework.
• Develop and execute supplier joint account plans, governance structures, relationship strategies and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deliver significant savings and benefits aligned to the Commercial Balanced Business Scorecard.
• Work collaboratively with Market Management, Sourcing teams and key stakeholders to maximise supplier value and performance.
• Drive cost optimisation, risk reduction, innovation and service improvement throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Establish strong working relationships with Executive and Head of Function stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Lead supplier governance forums, including executive sponsorship arrangements.
• Create and deliver a qualified savings and benefits pipeline approved by Finance and aligned to business budgets.
• Support contract change management, renewals, maintenance and demand management activities.
• Manage commercial negotiations, contract variations and dispute resolution activities.
• Introduce and champion supplier‑enabled innovation opportunities that create competitive advantage.
• Contribute to annual Integrated Market Planning reviews and strategic supplier planning activities.
• Provide specialist supplier collaboration expertise across the organisation.
• Lead, coach and develop Supplier Managers and Supplier Specialists, fostering a high‑performing team culture.

What we're looking for

We're looking for a strategic and influential supplier management professional with a proven track record of delivering business value through collaborative supplier relationships.

Essential Experience and Skills

• Significant experience in strategic supplier management and supplier collaboration.
• Demonstrable success in delivering commercial savings, benefits and performance improvements.
• Strong senior stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Deep understanding of supplier management frameworks, governance models and relationship management methodologies.
• Proven negotiation, relationship development and dispute resolution expertise.
• Highly developed commercial acumen and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Experience operating within large, complex organisations.
• Strong cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to balance commercial objectives with operational and strategic priorities.
• Experience managing, coaching and developing teams.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Degree qualified, ideally supported by a relevant professional or postgraduate qualification such as CIPS, RICS, MBA or MSc.
• Detailed knowledge of the utilities sector.
• Experience delivering supplier‑led innovation programmes.

What's In It For You?

You'll join an organisation that values collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact through strategic supplier partnerships.

• 10.5% annual bonus opportunity
• Up to 21% employer pension contribution
• 26 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
• Hybrid working with 3 days per week in our Warrington office
• A comprehensive range of employee benefits
• Excellent opportunities for learning, development and career progression
• The chance to work with senior leaders and strategic suppliers on high‑profile business initiatives