At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships to maximise value.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, ensuring clean water for 5.4 million people while protecting the environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave plus wellness days.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns available to support work-life balance.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team in the water industry, making a real impact on communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in sourcing management, commercial strategy, and stakeholder engagement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 52000 - 78000 £ per year.
4 roles available, across direct and indirect categories.
We offer a competitive salary, up to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- A company car lease/allowance scheme (£2,520 cash allowance)
- Annual incentive-related bonus (up to 10% of annual salary)
- Private health care (self only)
- Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution)
- Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays – plus an extra wellness day!
- A great benefits package – choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
- Retail savings scheme
- Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Location: Western House, Bradford / Hybrid Working (1 – 2 office days a week)
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday.
We have an exciting opportunity to join a growing and transforming Commercial function as a Category / Strategic Sourcing Manager in the Commercial – Operations team at Yorkshire Water. Be a part of an exciting time at the start of AMP8, that provides new funding and regulatory focus for the Water industry, to enable the business to drive the transformation of Yorkshire Water that can provide the best service to our customers.
This is an exciting time for Commercial as we grow the capability in our team, support an extensive pipeline of activity and seek to drive good value for our customers.
What we do: Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it’s so much more than this. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire’s water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year.
The Commercial Operations team are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators. The Category / Strategic Sourcing Manager is responsible for developing and leading category specific strategies, overseeing the Procurement and Buying function, contract implementation and lifecycle through exit to the next iteration. The role holder will be a key part of a Commercial – Operations Team leading in the development and delivery of compliant sourcing pipeline.
They will be skilled in the use of a broad set of analytical tools and able to identify current and future business opportunities based on their ability to analyse data from multiple sources. The role holder will collaborate with business stakeholders and lead the engagement to deliver industry leading future focused category and sourcing strategies.
Areas of expertise sought: There are 4 roles available across different direct and indirect categories:
- Professional Services
- IT & OT
- Operational Services
- Operational Goods and Maintenance
As our Category / Strategic Sourcing Manager you will:
- Development and delivery of category and sourcing strategies to maximise value and achieve target savings
- Lead the development and delivery of a compliant sourcing pipeline.
- Manage the application of supplier management processes
- Manage key stakeholder relationships across the business
- Be a Commercial subject matter expert with the ability to articulate complex solutions to stakeholders and senior leaders.
- Ensure compliance Utilities Contracts Regulations (UCR2016) and Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and Internal Governance
What skills & qualifications you will need:
- Commercial leadership – ability to develop and set the Commercial Strategy for the category, ensuring best value for money, delivery of YW performance and compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Commercial acumen - knowledge and practical application from water, construction or other relevant sectors to deliver savings targets, quality services and effective contract delivery.
- Sourcing – development and ongoing management of category strategies, managing the portfolio of simple & complex sourcing strategies, procurement processes and compliance with legislative and governance requirements.
- Stakeholder management – ability to lead engagement with different business leads to understand needs to develop suitable commercial approaches that can achieve business plan targets.
- Supplier management – application of supplier & vendor management, performance management and contract segmentation & treatment.
You will also benefit from having:
- Contract management – demonstrable delivery of lifecycle management of both high value and complex contracts and frameworks with multiple partner/suppliers.
- Comprehensive understanding of relevant Procure to Pay systems (SAP/ARIBA)
- MCIPS/Business Degree
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it’s important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn’t always easy!
If you’ve got experience in Category / Strategic Sourcing Management and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.
Accessibility: We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.
Just a heads-up! We might start interviewing and close the position earlier based on the response. To make sure you’re considered, please send in your application as soon as you can.
If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.
Sourcing and Contracts Manager in Bradford employer: Yorkshire Water
At Yorkshire Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private healthcare, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme. Our supportive work culture fosters employee growth through flexible working arrangements and opportunities to engage in meaningful projects that impact the community and environment. Join us in Bradford and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering essential services while prioritising your work-life balance and professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing and Contracts Manager in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the water industry and its current challenges. Understanding the regulatory landscape and recent changes in legislation will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sourcing and procurement field, especially those with experience in utilities or similar sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with supplier management and contract lifecycle management. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex contracts and delivered value in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your analytical skills by being prepared to discuss how you've used data to inform sourcing strategies. Highlight any tools or methodologies you've employed to identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements.
We think you need these skills to ace Sourcing and Contracts Manager in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in sourcing and contract management. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'category strategies', 'stakeholder management', and 'supplier management' to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of Yorkshire Water's mission and values. Explain how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Category / Strategic Sourcing Manager position, particularly in developing compliant sourcing strategies.
Highlight Relevant Achievements:In your application, include specific examples of past achievements related to contract management and procurement processes. Quantify your successes where possible, such as savings achieved or efficiencies gained, to make a strong impression.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a role that involves managing contracts and stakeholder relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Sourcing and Contracts Manager. Familiarise yourself with category-specific strategies, procurement processes, and compliance regulations relevant to the water industry.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with analytical tools and how you've used data to identify business opportunities. Highlight specific examples where your analysis led to successful sourcing strategies or cost savings.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
Prepare to talk about your experience in managing relationships with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've engaged with different business leads to understand their needs and develop suitable commercial approaches.
✨Highlight Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance is crucial for this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of Utilities Contracts Regulations and the Procurement Act. Mention any relevant experience you have in ensuring compliance within procurement processes.
