Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job title Strategic Sourcing Manager  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.

• 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

• 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

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

• 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

• 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

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

• 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…