Supply Chain Manager

Costain is working closely with Severn Trent Water on their Capital Delivery Framework as part of its capital programme for AMP8. As part of the Design and Build Framework lot, Costain brings together its design, construction, and consultancy expertise to undertake renewal and refurbishment projects and will assist Severn Trent in its target to make continuous improvements to its safety performance, whilst ensuring continuity of supply and consequently lowering costs for its customers.

The Procurement and Supply Chain Management function is responsible for the interface with those third‑party organisations who support our business whether that be for procurement of goods and services or the relationship management that underpins any such activities. They support project delivery teams across the sectors to ensure the strategic direction is identified and delivered.

The role of the Sector Supply Chain Manager is to carry out Supply Chain Management for the framework, be an advisor for project stakeholders and contribute to the development and deployment of direct Category Strategies for group business needs. Operating within the Sector Procurement and Supply Chain team, the role will work closely with the project leads, Commercial and any other members of the P&SC management team. You will be responsible for ensuring that your framework Supply Chain strategy is deployed and implemented, balancing and optimising both the operational requirements of our projects and the strategic goals of our Group objectives.

Procurement and Supply Chain Managers should have impeccable stakeholder management skills, and be proactive team‑player with a solution‑focussed mindset. This role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in the sector, driving efficiency, sustainability, and innovation within the procurement and supply chain functions.

The role will report to the Head of Procurement and Supply Chain and will be responsible for:

• Delivering Supply Chain Management across the framework, providing direction and support in the process. This will include collaborating seamlessly with the pre‑construction estimating team and the post‑award Procurement and Commercial team under our One Team, One Costain vision.
• Utilise the Procurement Process to enable ECI, guiding the team on the decision‑making criteria such as (but not limited to): the maturity of the design, the preservation of commercial tension, the likely benefits realisation pipeline, the opportunity to secure scarce resource, the relationship with the proposed ECI 2‑stage Subcontractor and the ability to take a recommendation through The Costain Way gated governance.
• Ensuring a robust and structured supply chain exists to service the requirements of the projects / frameworks fully complying with the How‑to‑Buy Process.
• Feeding into both the sectoral and Group Strategic, Preferred and Approved Supply Chain Segmentation model.
• Enabling the drive towards Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), including but not limited to local Small to Medium‑sized Enterprise (SME) engagement, delivering Social Impact, as well as Net Zero.
• Promoting collaboration between the business and the supply chain to unlock value through innovation and best practice where appropriate using the principles of ISO44001 or P13 principles.
• Developing strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to democratise the procurement process, our strategic approach and governance, unlocking Value for Money across our portfolio of work.
• Developing relationships with client’s Supply Chain and Procurement teams, participating in their initiatives to assist them in achieving their goals, maximising stakeholder engagement with external stakeholders to deliver outcomes.
• Supply Chain Performance Management, including managing under‑performance.

Essential

• Previous experience working in a similar level role.
• A clear and visible enthusiasm for driving improvement in best practice.
• Ability to demonstrate a level of emotional intelligence, capable of engaging with a wide‑ranging stakeholder group.
• Extensive knowledge of supply chain management and procurement.
• Experience of collaborative working and implementing innovation.
• Operational Procurement & Supply Chain skills relevant to the construction industry.
• Extensive knowledge of leading procurement and supply chain practice and the value the P&SC function add to our projects is communicated regularly throughout the function to drive a learning culture.
• Basic carbon literacy and an awareness of ISO20400 Guidance Standard for Sustainable Procurement.
• Experienced in leading supply chain engagement, e.g., chairing procurement meetings and negotiations.
• Excellent analytical skills relating to numerical and clarifications assessments.
• Experience in developing and implementing ESG and SV policies with the supply base.
• Familiarity with NEC forms of contract.
• Adaptable at working in both team environment and working in isolation.
• Excellent Microsoft Office suite proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Commitment to sustainable procurement practices and knowledge of key principles.
• Ability to communicate vision and strategic direction.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Member Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply qualified (min level 5).

Desirable

• Knowledge of Infrastructure Industry Procurement and Supply Chain Operations.
• Experience of working within a matrix organisation, with abilities to influence at all levels.
• Knowledge of Costain Procurement and Supply Chain Management systems and requirements.
• Working knowledge of procurement‑based software, e.g. Procurement software e.g. SourceDogg, eJAGGAER, Arriba sourcing or similar.
• Experience in negotiation heavily modified NEC3/NEC4 subcontracts to promote demonstrative favourable commercial outcomes for the business.
• More extensive expertise in ISO2040 and be able to demonstrate delivery of tangible sustainable outcomes through the supply chain (i.e. such as a reduction in Scope 3 GHGs).
• ISO 44001 experience from concept to delivery with Strategic Supply Chain Partners (or an equivalent level of demonstrated experience with Project 13 principles).