Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job title Strategic Sourcing Manager Ref 44485 Division Finance & Commercial Location Hybrid - Clearwater Court - RG1 8DB Contract type Permanent Full/Part-time Full-time Salary £50,000 - £65,000 depending on experience Job grade B Closing date 17/03/2026

As the UK's largest water company, we're taking action for a new world of water - fixing today's problems and building resilience for tomorrow. Our AMP8 Business Plan for is our largest ever, with a proposed total expenditure of over £20 billion, more than double the last five-year period, and the largest ever in the UK Water Industry. This once-in-a-generation investment will deliver lasting improvements to water infrastructure across London and the Thames Valley. AMP9 is forecast to have an even larger spend

This role will play an integral part, working with Commercial and Procurement colleagues and the wider business, in ensuring our supply chain plays a critical role in making sure that the capital programme is delivered to programme and budget. Thames Water's supply chain strategy is based on collaborating with the supply chain to identify innovative and best practice solutions to meet business objectives.

The objective of this role is to run sourcing processes to award new multi-year CAPEX-focused Framework Agreements and/or Contracts and/or run call-off processes from existing agreements. Typically, a sourcing manager would run 2 to 5 processes at a time dependent on the size and complexity of the sourcing.

Reporting to the Capital Procurement Business Partner, this role will be expected to ensure compliance with Thames Water supply chain objectives and enhance value by supporting the business to make informed decisions on sourcing requirements from in-scope spend areas.

As an experienced Procurement resource, this role will be accountable for the 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 will be doing as a Strategic Sourcing Manager Sourcing

• Leading strategy development for specific projects as allocated by the Capital Procurement Business Partner, in line with agreed category strategies
• Project management and prioritisation of several sourcing initiatives effectively through agile project delivery and problem-solving

Stakeholder Management

• Building deep and trusting relationships with Thames Water stakeholders, with an ability to engage and influence at senior levels
• Working with stakeholders on the responsibilities for contract launch and preparing for handover to Contract Management for in-life management

Communication

• Creating compelling, well-structured, accurate reports. documents and presentations, and effectively deliver to all levels of the business (both internally and externally)

Data and reporting

• Efficiently managing spend and information gathering process by working with Thames Water stakeholders, suppliers, and third parties (e.g. research agencies) to deliver market-leading outcomes
• Shape and challenge business requirements utilising market and supplier insights

Process & compliance

• Operate information systems to the required standard to maintain accurate and secure records.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on the sourcing
• Support development of best practice across the Commercial lifecycle, ensuring processes are regularly reviewed and updated

Location

Hybrid, Reading with travel to other sites and suppliers when required

What should you bring to the role?

• Ability to support business strategy development, utilising market and supplier insight
• Proven ability to manage external relationships and negotiate with suppliers
• Degree educated or with a relevant Professional Qualification or at least 3 years relevant experience
• Experience in leading supply chain project delivery
• Track record of delivering procurement value for money, cost efficiency and procurement innovation
• Hold a full UK Driving Licence and have your own transport (TW sites, Suppliers in the UK)
• Have good communication and stakeholder management skills
• Skilled in influencing and presenting to senior levels
• Be a good team player who enjoys working as part of a busy team.

Beneficial

• Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply - MCIPS
• Familiarity with the Procurement Act 2023 (Utilities)
• Self-starter and resilient under pressure

What's in it for you?

An opportunity to join a company that offers its employees a rewarding career path, allowing individuals to reach their full potential. This is an exciting time to join Thames Water as we continue to deliver our innovative turnaround plan.

• Competitive salary of £50,000 - £65,000 per annum, depending on your experience.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related pay is directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
• Personal Medical Assessments - Open to all once a year.
• Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of your and your family's health and well-being, 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.

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.