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- Tasks: Join us as a Procurement Business Partner, driving efficiency and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: South West Water provides high-quality water services and is committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work options, generous holidays, bonuses, and various health benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team focused on making a positive impact and reaching net-zero by 2030.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial mindset, negotiation skills, and knowledge of procurement regulations are essential.
- Other info: This role offers ongoing development opportunities and a culture that celebrates diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36400 - 52000 £ per year.
At South West Water, we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate. We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area. And we have huge ambitions. Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come. So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We currently have opportunity for 2 fixed term Procurement Business Partners to join our team for 12 months. 1 requires a base in either Exeter or Bristol. 1 can be based Exeter or Bristol, or Redhill. All roles require attendance at your base for a minimum of 2 days per week, with the remainder of time working from home. In addition, some level of travel between our main offices will also be required. You will receive a competitive salary of up to £52,000 per annum plus excellent benefits.
About the role:
- One fixed term on corporate services, these being IT; FM; customer services and more and one fixed term will focus on plant and equipment for waste water service.
- You will have opportunity to develop and monitor strategies for allocated categories of spend to support purchasing requirements across the business area for the full procurement lifecycle including sourcing, contract management and supplier management.
- This is a great opportunity for you to demonstrate a strong commercial focus and drive efficiency to support the management of commercial risks and opportunities for South West Water.
What you’ll be doing:
- Procurement Business Partnering: Advise and challenge senior stakeholders on procurement planning, ensuring compliance, accountability, and risk-aware decision-making across operational and capital spend.
- Category & Commercial Strategy: Own and deliver long-term procurement strategies for high-value/risk categories, providing expert market insights and aligning plans with strategic business goals.
- Sourcing & Contracting: Lead the end-to-end sourcing process using best practice tools, from contract design and tendering to negotiation and award recommendations, ensuring legal, regulatory, and commercial compliance.
- Contract & Supplier Management: Monitor and manage supplier performance, conduct due diligence, lead contract reviews, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven KPIs and stakeholder feedback.
- Commercial Support for Projects: Provide analytical and commercial input into key business decisions and investment cases, including risk modelling and evaluation of strategic procurement projects.
- Process Improvement & Governance: Ensure procurement processes align with corporate objectives, health & safety, and environmental standards, while championing continuous improvement and efficiency.
- Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing: Support team resilience through cross-coverage, align internal processes, and share expertise to build capability across the Procurement team and stakeholders.
What we’re looking for:
- Strong commercial and strategic mind-set; understanding the role of Procurement in delivering corporate goals and managing risk.
- Experience delivering efficiency/cost savings/value for money within a supply chain management function.
- Excellent verbal communication skills at all levels and the ability to recognise, plan and deliver business change.
- Proven strong negotiation and client/supply chain management experience; managing cost and value drivers effectively.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with a proven ability to communicate, support and challenge people across different business functions, backgrounds and all levels of seniority.
- Working knowledge of UK/EU Procurement Regulations and different forms of contracts and commercial models.
- A CIPS qualification (or working towards) would also be highly desirable.
- Knowledge of ERP systems SRM sourcing and e-procurement tools.
What’s in it for you:
We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays.
- A discretionary Bonus.
- Competitive Contributory Pension.
- Share-save Scheme.
- Various health benefits.
- Wellbeing support programmes.
- A range of Group Discounts.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Financial support services.
- And plenty more!
Closing date: 29th May 2025.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness. Our core values which are essential to our success are:
- Be Rock Solid: Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
- Be You: We want you to bring your best every day. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
- Be the Future: Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
Procurement Business Partner employer: South West Water
Contact Detail:
South West Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Business Partner
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with South West Water's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and community engagement will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing how your personal values resonate with theirs.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of South West Water on platforms like LinkedIn. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Procurement Business Partner role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and cost savings in previous roles. Highlighting your achievements in procurement will demonstrate your capability to meet the demands of this position effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on UK/EU Procurement Regulations and best practices in contract management. Being knowledgeable about these areas will not only boost your confidence but also show your commitment to compliance and excellence in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Business Partner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Procurement Business Partner position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experience and skills that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your procurement experience, strategic mindset, and any relevant qualifications such as CIPS. Use bullet points to outline your achievements in previous roles, particularly those that demonstrate cost savings and efficiency improvements.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Highlight specific examples of how your skills and experiences make you a great fit for South West Water. Mention your understanding of their commitment to sustainability and how you can contribute to their goals.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in procurement roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Water
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Procurement Business Partner. Familiarise yourself with procurement strategies, supplier management, and the specific categories you'll be working with. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your knowledge.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that highlight your strong commercial focus and experience in delivering efficiency or cost savings. Be ready to discuss how you've managed risks and opportunities in previous roles, as this aligns closely with what South West Water is looking for.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent verbal communication skills are essential, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully communicated with stakeholders at various levels and how you’ve navigated challenging conversations in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Regulations
Brush up on UK/EU Procurement Regulations and different forms of contracts. Being able to discuss these regulations and how they impact procurement decisions will show that you are well-prepared and knowledgeable about the industry standards.
