At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of UK infrastructure by managing supplier relationships and driving value.
- Company: Join Thames Water, a leader in critical infrastructure with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, performance pay, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential projects while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and category strategies; degree or professional qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 62000 € per year.
Are you ready to shape the future of a critical UK infrastructure programme? As a Contracts Manager at Thames Water, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving value through our supply chain - ensuring our capital programme is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards. You’ll work at the heart of Procurement and Commercial, partnering with internal stakeholders and suppliers to unlock innovation, manage strategic relationships, and deliver real business impact.
What you’ll be doing as a Strategic Contracts Manager:
- Develop and implement Category Plans for the allocated areas of spend, focusing primarily on capital spends, based on market insights and knowledge, trend analysis, identification of opportunities, and risks.
- Lead the development and delivery of category strategies informed by market insight, trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders to align category plans with business priorities.
- Manage supplier performance through robust governance, reviews, and contract oversight.
- Drive continuous improvement, identifying opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and added value.
- Act as a key interface between Thames Water and its supply chain, ensuring contractual outcomes are achieved.
- Identify, manage, and mitigate supplier and category risks.
- Explore and develop future supplier capability to support long‑term business needs.
Working pattern – Monday to Friday - 36 hours.
Necessary requirements for the role:
- Travel will be required to supplier locations and to meet key stakeholders on Thames Water sites.
What you should bring to the role:
- Proven experience managing supplier relationships and delivering category strategies.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of driving value, cost efficiency, and innovation.
- Ability to influence stakeholders and shape business decisions using market insight.
- Experience delivering supply chain or procurement projects.
- Some understanding of Utility and/or Infrastructure business operations, ideally working with Capital/Construction suppliers.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Degree or relevant professional qualification (or studying for a Professional Qualification).
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
Additional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring:
- Skilled in influencing and presenting to senior levels.
- Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply – MCIPS.
- Familiarity with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities).
- Self‑starter and resilient under pressure.
- Be a good team player who enjoys working as part of a busy team.
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary between £48,000‑£62,000 per annum depending on experience.
- Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
- Performance‑related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Strategic Contracts Manager in Reading employer: Thames Water
Thames Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on critical UK infrastructure. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, competitive salaries, and generous benefits, including a robust pension scheme and opportunities for professional growth, you'll thrive in a culture that values innovation and collaboration. Join us in shaping the future while enjoying a supportive team atmosphere and the chance to develop your career in procurement and supply chain management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Contracts Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Thames Water. Building relationships can give you insider info and might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Thames Water’s projects and values. Show us that you understand their mission and how your skills can drive value in their supply chain. Tailor your answers to reflect their needs!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience managing supplier relationships and delivering category strategies. We want to hear how you've driven innovation and efficiency in past roles.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining the team at Thames Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Contracts Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing supplier relationships and delivering category strategies. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Strategic Contracts Manager at Thames Water!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:Demonstrate your strong commercial acumen by providing examples of how you've driven value and cost efficiency in previous roles. We love seeing real-life impacts, so don’t hold back on the details!
Highlight Stakeholder Management Skills:Since this role involves a lot of collaboration, make sure to emphasise your excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Share specific instances where you’ve influenced decisions or built strong relationships.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Market
Before the interview, dive deep into market insights related to the utility and infrastructure sectors. Understand current trends, risks, and opportunities that Thames Water might be facing. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you align your answers with their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Relationship Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented to drive value and efficiency. Highlighting your ability to influence stakeholders will demonstrate that you can effectively navigate the complexities of the role.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience in delivering category strategies and driving cost efficiencies. Use concrete examples to illustrate how your commercial insight has led to tangible results. This will show that you understand the financial implications of procurement decisions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about Thames Water's future projects or challenges in the supply chain. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
