At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative procurement for major projects in water and environmental sustainability.
- Company: Join Southern Water, transforming the UK's water industry with exciting infrastructure programmes.
- Benefits: Up to £60,000 salary, flexible working, and excellent benefits.
- Other info: Diverse perspectives welcomed; adjustments available during recruitment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental projects while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within project-based environments and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Falmer (Hybrid – 2 days per week on site)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options considered
Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum, commensurate with experience + excellent benefits
About the role:
There’s never been a more exciting time to join Southern Water. We’re delivering a portfolio of new, large-scale infrastructure and innovation programmes that will shape the future of water and environmental sustainability across the UK.
We’re now looking for a Category & Sourcing Manager to join our Major Projects, Environment & Innovation Procurement team. This is a unique opportunity to support first-of-a-kind programmes, from major infrastructure investments (including privately financed models) through to emerging environmental and innovation initiatives. This role is distinctly project-led rather than traditional category management. You’ll work across a broad and evolving portfolio where no two projects are the same, ranging from large-scale infrastructure procurements to bespoke, innovation-led sourcing with SMEs, consultancies and emerging suppliers. The pace, scale and complexity will vary significantly, requiring a high degree of adaptability and commercial judgement.
What you will be responsible for:
- Developing and delivering flexible sourcing approaches to support complex, project-based procurement across Major Projects and E&I
- Leading end-to-end procurement for diverse requirements, from large infrastructure packages and technical services through to bespoke innovation-led procurements
- Supporting delivery of major programmes, including privately financed and regulated project models
- Working closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders (engineering, environment, innovation, legal) to shape commercially sound and deliverable procurement strategies
- Navigating both procurement and environmental regulatory requirements, balancing compliance with pace and flexibility
- Ensuring project delivery aligns with environmental legislation, regulatory deadlines and organisational obligations
- Managing supplier engagement across a varied supply base, including niche suppliers, SMEs and organisations new to working in regulated environments
- Adapting standard procurement processes to suit bespoke project requirements, often working in a fast-moving and reactive environment
What you’ll bring to the role:
Essential
- Proven experience in a Category, Sourcing or Procurement role within a project-based, infrastructure, utilities, or complex delivery environment
- Demonstrable experience supporting end-to-end procurement across multiple projects, rather than single, stable categories
- Strong project delivery experience, with the ability to manage competing priorities, timelines and stakeholders across a varied portfolio
- Knowledge of public procurement regulations (PA23/UCR) and ability to apply them pragmatically
- Understanding of environmental legislation and associated regulatory deadlines, or the ability to quickly build this knowledge in a regulated environment
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate across technical and non-technical teams
- Commercially astute, with the ability to manage ambiguity and operate across projects of differing scale and complexity
- A flexible, proactive approach – comfortable switching between priorities and responding to evolving requirements
Desirable
- Experience working within private finance or investor-led infrastructure models (e.g. PFI/DPC)
- Exposure to environmental, sustainability, or innovation-focused programmes
- Demonstrable interest in environmental and sustainability topics, gained through education, professional experience, or personal interest
- Experience engaging with a diverse supplier base, including SMEs, consultancies, charities or early-stage organisations
- CIPS qualification (or working towards)
About Southern Water:
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, with significant investment planned to deliver major infrastructure and innovation-led programmes. You’ll be joining during a period of rapid growth across Major Projects and Environmental & Innovation, supporting work that ranges from highly complex, multi-million-pound programmes through to pioneering new technologies and partnerships. The diversity and scale of delivery make this a genuinely unique procurement opportunity.
At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive better outcomes. If you’re motivated by working on complex, meaningful projects and enjoy operating in a dynamic, evolving environment, we’d love to hear from you.
Our Commitment to Diversity:
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information:
In line with Southern Water’s requirements, successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment checks, including identity verification, right-to-work checks, DBS, and employment/education history verification.
Ready to Make a Difference? Join our Procurement team and help deliver innovative, large-scale programmes that will shape the future of water and the environment. Apply today and see how far your career can go with Southern Water—where innovation meets impact.
Category & Sourcing Manager (Major Projects, Environment & Innovation) employer: SouthernWaterServices
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Falmer where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. With flexible working options, competitive salaries, and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our team to tackle complex projects that make a real difference in the water industry. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values your unique perspective and fosters professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category & Sourcing Manager (Major Projects, Environment & Innovation)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues 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 recent initiatives, especially around environmental sustainability. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Category & Sourcing Manager. Highlight your project delivery skills and adaptability, as these are key for the fast-paced environment at Southern Water.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the water industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Category & Sourcing Manager (Major Projects, Environment & Innovation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category & Sourcing Manager role. Highlight your experience in project-based procurement and how it aligns with our exciting initiatives at Southern Water.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills—demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past roles that showcase your ability to manage complex projects and navigate regulatory requirements. We want to see how you’ve made an impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SouthernWaterServices
✨Know Your Projects
Before the interview, dive deep into Southern Water's recent projects and initiatives. Understanding their major infrastructure and innovation programmes will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
This role requires adaptability in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to share examples from your past where you've successfully managed competing priorities or adapted your approach to meet evolving project requirements.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your stakeholder management skills by discussing specific instances where you've collaborated with multidisciplinary teams. This will show that you can effectively navigate both technical and non-technical discussions, which is crucial for this position.
✨Brush Up on Regulations
Familiarise yourself with public procurement regulations and environmental legislation relevant to the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will demonstrate your preparedness and understanding of the regulatory landscape Southern Water operates within.
