At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to optimise supplier allocation and enhance operational efficiency.
- Company: Join Southern Water, transforming the UK's water industry with innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to innovation and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment focused on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership, organisational skills, and experience in project management.
The predicted salary is between 49050 - 59950 £ per year.
Location: Within the Southern Water Region (flexible/hybrid)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: Up to £54,900 based on skills and experience
About the role:
Due to an internal move within our Managed Service Contractor team, we are currently recruiting for a Commodity Manager focusing on managing the planned work of contract engineers, ensuring that all activities align with organizational goals and compliance standards. You will play a critical role in optimizing supplier allocation and enhancing operational efficiency by overseeing the planning and execution of work managed by contract engineers ensuring that all planned work is completed on time and meets quality standards by coordinating with contract engineers to align project timelines and deliverables.
What you will be responsible for:
- Leading and managing a team of up to 10 FTE’s, providing direction and support to promote collaboration and a high-performance culture within the team.
- Maintaining accurate records of work activities and performance metrics.
- Preparing and presenting regular reports on planned work status and team performance to senior management.
- Managing and overseeing a budget of up to £4M, monitoring expenditure and utilisation of resources within budget, and implementing cost-saving measures where required.
- Overseeing the planning and execution of work managed by contract engineers.
- Ensuring that all planned work is completed on time and meets quality standards.
- Coordinating with contract engineers to align project timelines and deliverables.
- Conducting regular performance evaluations and fostering professional development.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proficient in project management tools and Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Experience in managing teams and projects in a technical or engineering environment.
- Familiarity with contract management and compliance requirements.
- Relevant qualifications in engineering, management, or a related field.
- Desirable: NEBOSH qualification.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
Our Commitment to Diversity: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information: In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.
Commodity Manager employer: Southern Water
Southern Water is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises environmental sustainability and compliance. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for professional development in the utilities sector, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model. Join us in making a meaningful impact on water management and environmental protection in a supportive and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commodity Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Southern Water.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Commodity Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Southern Water:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Southern Water. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Southern Water.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Southern Water!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Southern Water. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Southern Water's culture.
