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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage high-value contracts for innovative water projects.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in sustainable infrastructure transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of water services while tackling climate change.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a collaborative team environment with opportunities for growth.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Location: Falmer (Brighton)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37/ week
Salary: 55,000
Ready to make an impact? Join Southern Water at a pivotal time as we deliver AMP8 - our largest investment programme ever; transforming our infrastructure over the next five years. As a Category & Sourcing Manager, you'll have unparalleled exposure to high-value contracts and strategic projects, shaping procurement strategies that influence the future of water and wastewater services.
This is a unique opportunity to work with a collaborative team, enjoy autonomy and variety, and play a critical role in driving innovation and value across one of the UK's most ambitious programmes. There has never been a better time to join our organisation as we build towards a greener future, tackling climate change, minimising our environmental impact and reducing our carbon footprint!
What you’ll be doing
- Develop and implement category strategies for delivery partners and major projects, ensuring alignment with procurement regulations (PA23) and business objectives.
- Lead sourcing and contracting activities, including formal tendering processes, mini competitions, and framework agreements.
- Engage with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions that optimise total cost of ownership.
- Drive cost reduction initiatives through standardisation, demand aggregation, and minimising tail spend.
- Introduce best practices and innovation into category strategies, ensuring continuous improvement.
- Monitor performance and compliance with policies, processes, and governance frameworks.
What we’re looking for
- Experienced in category management, public sector, or construction industry procurement (UCR or PA23 knowledge desirable).
- Skilled in developing category strategies and managing complex sourcing processes.
- A strong communicator and influencer, able to build relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Commercially aware, with excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
- Proactive and self-sufficient, with a continuous improvement mindset.
Essential
- Recognised procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS or equivalent).
- Experience in construction, utilities, or public sector procurement.
Desirable
- Knowledge of NEC forms of contract.
- Advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint skills.
- Bachelor's degree in business, finance, engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
Additional information
- Hybrid working: 2 days in the office.
- Travel: Occasional site visits in the Southern Water region.
- Flexible options: Job share or hours considered.
What’s in it for you?
- Exposure to high-value contracts and strategic projects.
- Opportunity to influence procurement for one of the UK’s largest infrastructure investment programmes.
- Competitive salary and benefits, plus career development opportunities.
Category & Sourcing Manager in London employer: Adecco
Contact Detail:
Adecco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Sourcing Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in category management and procurement can drive value for Southern Water. Keep it concise and impactful to grab their attention.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Category & Sourcing Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Category & Sourcing Manager role. Highlight your experience in category management and procurement, especially in the public sector or construction industry. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission of delivering a greener future. Be sure to mention any relevant qualifications like CIPS.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your skills in developing category strategies and managing sourcing processes. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details directly and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Southern Water!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Familiarise yourself with procurement regulations like PA23 and UCR. Being able to discuss how these regulations impact category strategies will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples of how you've used analytical skills to drive cost reduction or improve sourcing processes. Use specific metrics or outcomes to illustrate your success in previous roles.
✨Engage Stakeholders Effectively
Think about how you’ve built relationships with senior stakeholders in the past. Be ready to share stories that highlight your communication and influencing skills, as these are crucial for this position.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Come prepared with ideas on how to introduce best practices and innovations into category strategies. Showing that you’re proactive about continuous improvement will resonate well with the interviewers.
