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- Tasks: Lead and manage inventory and supply chain projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join Thames Water, the UK's largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, flexible working, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities and the environment while advancing your career in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in project management with a focus on supply chain; relevant degree preferred.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and support for diverse applicants throughout the recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 57000 - 63000 £ per year.
Job title Programme Manager Ref 41370 Division Asset Operations & Capital Delivery Location Didcot Distribution Centre, Omega 3, Collett Way, Didcot, OX11 7AW Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Hours 36 hours per week Salary Offering between £57,000 to £63,000 depending on experience and skills Job grade C Closing date 25/06/2025
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Programme Manager to lead and oversee projects within our Inventory & Supply Chain function. This role is key to ensuring the successful delivery of multiple supply chain and inventory-related initiatives, driving process optimisation, and supporting effective warehouse operations. The Programme Manager will play a pivotal role in aligning project outcomes with business goals while maintaining operational excellence and strong stakeholder engagement.
What you will be doing as an Inventory & Supply Specialist
The main areas of focus will include:
- Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of inventory and supply chain projects from initiation through to completion.
- Oversee project timelines, resource plans, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
- Collaborate closely with internal teams (Inventory, Supply Chain, Warehouse Operations) to ensure project deliverables meet operational needs.
- Manage relationships with external suppliers and service providers, ensuring delivery of key project requirements and compliance with SLAs.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement across inventory and supply chain operations and implement best practice solutions.
- Act as a key point of contact for all programme-related communications, ensuring transparency and alignment with stakeholders at all levels.
- Apply project management methodologies (e.g. Agile, PRINCE2, PMP) to ensure consistent delivery standards.
- Track, report, and escalate project performance metrics, providing regular updates to senior leadership.
- Ensure all projects comply with regulatory, safety, and company standards.
Internally, this role is known as Inventory & Supply Specialist.
The base location for this role will be Didcot Distribution Centre, OX11.
Please note: you will receive a car allowance, and a valid driving licence is required.
Hours of work are 36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
What you should bring to the role
- Proven experience in programme or senior project management roles within inventory and/or supply chain environments.
- Strong knowledge of inventory control, logistics, warehouse operations, and supply chain systems.
- Proficiency in SAP ECC and other supply chain management tools.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels.
- Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with complex interdependencies.
- Strong leadership and communication skills with a collaborative and proactive approach.
- Ability to manage budgets, forecast resource needs, and deliver projects within defined constraints.
- Experience working with external vendors and managing contract performance.
- Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on outcomes and continuous improvement.
- Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Logistics, or a related field (preferred).
- Project management certification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2, Agile) preferred.
- 5+ years’ experience in programme or project management roles within the supply chain and/or logistics sectors.
What’s in it for you?
- Offering between £57,000 to £63,000 per annum, depending on experience and skills.
- Car Allowance of £5,800 per annum.
- Annual Leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
- Contributory pension – Defined Contribution – Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
- Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
- Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.
So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.
Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.
Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process . Our aim is to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support .
When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.
Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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Programme Manager employer: Thames Water Utilities Limited
Contact Detail:
Thames Water Utilities Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific project management methodologies mentioned in the job description, such as Agile, PRINCE2, and PMP. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and alignment with the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of Thames Water, especially those in similar roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach and questions during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully managed multiple stakeholders and complex interdependencies. Highlighting your experience in these areas will showcase your ability to handle the challenges outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Thames Water's recent initiatives and projects related to inventory and supply chain management. Being knowledgeable about their current operations will allow you to engage in meaningful discussions and show your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in programme or project management, particularly within inventory and supply chain environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in managing multiple projects and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role at Thames Water. Emphasise your leadership skills, experience with supply chain systems, and how you can contribute to their goals of operational excellence.
Highlight Relevant Certifications: If you have project management certifications like PMP, PRINCE2, or Agile, make sure to mention these prominently in your application. This will show that you have the formal training to back up your practical experience.
Showcase Process Improvement Experience: Include examples of how you've identified opportunities for process improvement in previous roles. This is crucial for the Programme Manager position, as it aligns with the company's focus on driving optimisation in supply chain operations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water Utilities Limited
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with project management methodologies like Agile, PRINCE2, or PMP. Highlight specific projects where you successfully led teams and delivered results, focusing on how you managed timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
Since the role requires excellent stakeholder management skills, come ready with examples of how you've influenced and engaged stakeholders at various levels. Discuss any challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure project alignment with business goals.
✨Emphasise Process Improvement Experience
The company is looking for someone who can identify opportunities for process optimisation. Prepare to share instances where you've implemented best practices in inventory or supply chain operations, detailing the impact of these improvements on efficiency and effectiveness.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Operations
Research Thames Water's operations, particularly in inventory and supply chain management. Understanding their specific challenges and successes will allow you to tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
