Supplier Relationship Manager

Reporting to the Capital Procurement Business Partner, this role will be expected to ensure compliance with Thames Water supply chain objectives and enhancing value by challenging business as usual ways of works and developing innovative supply chain strategies.

As an experienced Procurement resource, this role will be accountable for delivery of category and supplier development plans, whilst ensuring that these are delivered in compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities) and Thames Water Policies and Procedures.

What you’ll be doing as a Supplier Relationship Manager

• Leading on supply chain engagement - including Performance and Strategic Business Reviews
• Be seen by the business as the Procurement /Commercial expert for the category with market knowledge and insight not seen elsewhere
• Build strategic and innovative category plans and own the contract improvement opportunity register for category area
• Draft, negotiate and obtain agreement to commercial contracts ensuring that operational and commercial risks to business are fully understood and minimised
• Build collaborative, high-performing supplier relationships that support delivery, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Engage proactively with internal stakeholders to shape the category approach, business needs, spend and suppliers
• Support the delivery of a risk management plan/strategy.
• Identify and manage category and supplier level risks and escalating to the Business Partner where appropriate
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on the sourcing projects using available reporting tools

Base location – Hybrid – Clear Water Court Reading
Necessary requirements for the role - This will require travel to other Thames Water sites where key Stakeholders are based and to Supplier sites in the UK

What you should bring to the role
The essential criteria to help you succeed in this role is:

• Full UK driving licence
• Extensive experience of supplier relationship management, including developing long-term relationships
• Engaging with internal stakeholders and the supply chain
• Experience of managing multi-disciplinary project teams
• Experience in project and/or supplier relationship management
• Track record of delivery value for money, cost efficiency and procurement innovation
• Proven ability to manage external relationships and negotiate with suppliers

Additional skills and experiences would be great to have:

• People Management skills
• Skilled in supplier negotiations and dispute resolution
• Familiarity with Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities)

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary from £60,000 to £80,000 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
• Car allowance
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Private Medical Health Care
• 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.

Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?
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.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
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 meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

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.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, 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.