At a Glance
- Tasks: Support contract management strategies and monitor supplier performance across the Southern Water region.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the water industry with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Earn up to £35,000 per annum, plus benefits, with flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and development in a forward-thinking organisation.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in contract management while making a real impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or account management; strong communication and analytical skills.
Location: Durrington or Falmer (with travel across the Southern Water region)
Contract Type: 6 month FTC
Hours: Full time and part-time working considered
Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum, plus benefits
About the role
Southern Water’s Contract and Supplier Management discipline manages aggregated contracts and supplier relationships to drive performance, reduce costs and maximise value. As a Contract & Supplier Management Specialist, you’ll support contract and supplier management strategies across a portfolio of lower-risk, lower-spend suppliers. Working closely with senior contract managers, sourcing colleagues, service owners and suppliers, you’ll help ensure contracts are well managed throughout their lifecycle and supplier performance is effectively monitored. This role is well suited to someone with experience in procurement, contract administration, account management or a customer-facing role who is keen to build a career in contract and supplier management.
What you’ll do
- Support delivery of contract and supplier management strategies for assigned contracts
- Maintain adherence to contract lifecycle management processes and best practice
- Support supplier relationship management, including SLAs, KPIs and performance monitoring
- Provide guidance to service owners on contract implementation and performance reporting
- Support supplier performance improvement plans using contract data and business feedback
- Act as a point of contact for contractual queries and support issue resolution
- Communicate contract renewals and review cycles to stakeholders
- Work closely with the Sourcing team during sourcing and contract award activities
- Monitor contract compliance, risks, opportunities and continuous improvement actions
What you’ll bring
- Essential
- Experience in procurement, contract administration, supplier or account management
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Good analytical and organisational skills
- A proactive, continuous improvement mindset
- Competence in Microsoft Office, including Excel and PowerPoint
- Ability to travel across the Southern Water region when required (must hold UK Driving Licence and access to a reliable vehicle)
- Desirable
- Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience
- Knowledge of contract lifecycle management and regulated environments
About Southern Water
Southern Water is transforming Britain’s water industry, with £7.8bn planned investment for 2025–2030. You’ll join a forward-thinking organisation committed to sustainability, innovation and developing its people. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement.
Additional information: Appointment is subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in line with Southern Water’s requirements.
Contract & Supplier Management Specialist in Durrington 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 Contract & Supplier Management Specialist in Durrington
✨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 Contract & Supplier Management Specialist in Durrington
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.
