At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented procurement team and shape commercial strategies for critical spend areas.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a FTSE 100 company focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, performance bonuses, and wellness benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental outcomes and operational performance in a vital role.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in procurement, strong leadership skills, and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of a Greener, More Resilient North West
About us
United Utilities keeps the North West flowing — delivering essential water services to millions of homes and businesses every day. As we enter a period of major transformation, our Commercial function is playing a critical role in driving sustainability, resilience and long‑term value across our operations. We’re looking for a Head of Procurement to lead a high‑performing team and take ownership of a £300–£350m spend portfolio spanning Bioresources, Scientific Services, Fleet, Chemicals and Energy. This is a strategic, high‑impact role where your decisions will directly influence environmental outcomes, operational performance and the future of our supply chain. Join a FTSE 100 organisation where innovation, inclusion and purpose sit at the heart of everything we do.
Why Join Us?
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- Car cash allowance - £5,000
- Up to 20% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme
- MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
- Best Doctors
- Salary Finance
- Wealth at Work courses
- Deals and discounts
- EVolve Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Mental health first aiders
- ShareBuy
- MORE Choices flexible benefits
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
What you’ll be doing
You’ll lead a talented team of procurement professionals and shape the commercial strategy for some of our most critical spend areas. Your work will drive value, sustainability and innovation across the business. Your key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership across market insights, sourcing and supplier collaboration.
- Building strong, influential relationships with senior stakeholders through a true business partnering model.
- Leading the development of complex, multi‑million‑pound market strategies that are insight‑led, commercially robust and aligned to business priorities.
- Overseeing delivery of sourcing pipelines, supplier collaboration plans and value‑driven commercial outcomes.
- Driving sustainability, innovation and operational resilience across the supply chain.
- Leading annual business planning for your category portfolio, ensuring alignment with long‑term operational needs.
- Ensuring compliance with procurement policy, regulations and governance frameworks.
- Coaching, developing and inspiring a high‑performing commercial team with clear succession planning.
- Acting as a recognised expert in market strategy, sourcing and supplier management across UU.
What we’re looking for?
You’ll bring a blend of strategic thinking, commercial acumen and leadership capability — with the confidence to influence at senior levels and the curiosity to challenge the status quo.
Essential experience:
- Significant experience leading complex, business‑critical procurement categories.
- Strong commercial acumen with expertise in negotiation, risk management and dispute resolution.
- Proven senior stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
- Experience managing strategic supplier relationships and driving performance and innovation.
- Ability to interpret market intelligence and shape strategy.
- Experience delivering sustainability, innovation or resilience outcomes within supply chains.
- Strong problem‑solving capability within large, complex organisations.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Knowledge of the utilities sector and relevant regulations.
Nice to have
- Experience working with Bioresource technical supply chains or scientific/engineering‑led environments
- Exposure to technical categories such as chemicals, energy, fleet or scientific services.
- Project management experience.
- Post‑graduate qualifications such as CIPS, RICS, MBA or MSc.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications: Preferably degree educated, with a relevant post‑graduate qualification (e.g. CIPS, RICS, MBA, MSC)
Make an Impact that Matters
Every colleague at United Utilities plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service to our customers. In return, we’ll support your development, reward your contribution and give you the platform to build a thriving career. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and shape the future of commercial excellence in a major FTSE 100 organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Director of Procurement & Strategic Partnerships in Warrington employer: United Utilities
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Warrington where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. With a generous benefits package, including up to 30 days of annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and extensive employee development opportunities, we empower our team to thrive while making a meaningful impact on the North West's water services. Join us to lead a high-performing procurement team in a role that not only drives operational excellence but also contributes to a greener future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Procurement & Strategic Partnerships in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to connections in the procurement and strategic partnerships space. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to sustainability and innovation, as these are key for the role. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Director of Procurement, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to drive value and manage supplier relationships. Role-play scenarios with a friend to build confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Procurement & Strategic Partnerships in Warrington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director of Procurement & Strategic Partnerships role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement and strategic partnerships, and show us how you can drive sustainability and innovation.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've led teams and influenced senior stakeholders in previous roles. This is a key part of the job, so let your experience shine through.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the heart of your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Procurement, you'll be dealing with significant budgets. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed large spend portfolios in the past. Prepare specific examples that highlight your impact on cost savings and value creation.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a blend of strategic thinking and commercial acumen. Be prepared to discuss how you've developed and implemented market strategies in previous roles. Use real-life scenarios to demonstrate your ability to interpret market intelligence and shape effective procurement strategies.
✨Build Relationships
Strong stakeholder management is key for this position. Think about how you've built influential relationships with senior stakeholders before. Prepare to share examples of how you’ve successfully partnered with different teams to drive performance and innovation.
✨Emphasise Sustainability and Innovation
Given the focus on sustainability and resilience, come armed with examples of how you've driven these outcomes in your previous roles. Discuss any initiatives you've led that align with environmental goals, and be ready to share your vision for integrating sustainability into procurement practices.
