Capital Procurement Contract Manager

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

Base location - Hybrid - Clear Water Court, Reading
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
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you'll need are

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., Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to .

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.

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.