Programme Procurement Manager

Location & working pattern:
Hybrid working model, split between Peterborough and London offices, with 2-3 days per week in the office and the remainder working from home.

Contract:
Permanent

NEC KNOWLEDGE IS ESSENTIAL

This is a senior procurement role supporting the delivery of a large-scale, nationally significant infrastructure and capital delivery programme within the UK water sector. The role will play a critical part in shaping and delivering procurement strategies that enable successful programme outcomes, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver long-term value for customers.

You will be responsible for planning, managing, and delivering complex, high-value strategic sourcing activity across a multi-phase capital programme. Acting as a trusted commercial partner, you will work closely with senior stakeholders across engineering, project delivery, commercial, legal, and finance teams.

• Develop, own, and manage a portfolio of complex procurement activity aligned to major infrastructure and capital delivery objectives

• Design and deliver end-to-end sourcing strategies, from early market engagement through tendering, negotiation, contract award, and mobilisation

• Lead high-value and high-risk commercial negotiations using appropriate sourcing tools and methodologies

• Ensure procurement activity delivers measurable value, balancing cost, risk, performance, resilience, and long-term sustainability

• Build strong, credible relationships with senior stakeholders across programme, engineering, and corporate functions

• Act as a trusted commercial adviser, providing clear procurement guidance and constructive challenge

• Translate programme and project requirements into robust procurement and contracting strategies

• Influence decision-making through clear, evidence-based recommendations supported by market and commercial insight

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of relevant supply markets, including capacity, capability, cost drivers, and risk factors

• Identify and manage procurement risks and opportunities using data, market intelligence, and forecasting

• Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, internal governance frameworks, and wider regulatory requirements

• Lead supplier appointment and onboarding using sourcing methodologies proportionate to value and complexity

• Ensure contracts are appropriately structured, with clear commercial terms, performance measures, and risk allocation

• Support effective contract mobilisation and work closely with contract managers to enable successful delivery

• An experienced procurement professional with a strong background in major infrastructure or capital delivery programmes

• CIPS qualified to Level 5 minimum, or educated to degree or professional level in procurement, commercial management, or a related discipline

• Strong working knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and public sector procurement requirements

• Proven experience delivering complex strategic sourcing projects with significant commercial and risk exposure

• Strong understanding of contract structures and legal terms; experience with NEC contracts is highly desirable