Supplier Manager

Where strategy meets success, join our team.

About us

Salary - Competitive

Work Type - Hybrid

Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP

Role Type - Permanent

Employment Type - Full Time

Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.

We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.

Benefits

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

Job Purpose

United Utilities has an exciting opportunity for a Supplier Manager to join the Commercial team.

The Supplier manager is Accountable for leading the management and development of multi-million pound, medium cost and business risk assessed suppliers (Preferred), working with relevant stakeholders, to drive the fullest overall cost, risk, relationship, innovation, and performance value.

Accountabilities & Responsibilities

• Leadership of 10 to 15 complex, multi-million pound, medium cost and business risk assessed suppliers, utilising the full implementation of the Supplier Management Framework, to include the development of supplier joint account plans, meeting governance framework, benefits and savings, continuous improvement targets, and relationship development modelling, whilst meeting all contract, regulatory, and exit strategy requirements.
• Working collaboratively with the relevant Market Management and Sourcing team members, together with relevant stakeholders (‘Head of’ level), to drive the fullest overall cost, risk, relationship, innovation, and performance value.
• Delivery of on-going and significant savings and benefits throughout the contract and relationship life cycle, underpinned by leadership of incremental cost, service and overall value derivation, to include the management and resolution of contract variations and any commercial disputes.
• Establish a collaborative way of working with preferred suppliers and relevant stakeholders to execute the Supplier Management Framework. Support the operational owners of the contracts in their day-to-day accountabilities with their Preferred supplier/s.
• Negotiation and implementation of significant incremental cost savings and benefits throughout the contract lifecycle through expert negotiation leadership, in support of the annual cost savings target.
• Execution of the Meeting Governance Framework for specifically led suppliers, to include ‘Head of’ level sponsorship.
• Identification of evolving business requirements throughout the contract and relationship life cycle, to include contract change, maintenance, renewals, and demand management activities.
• Introduce a supplier enabled innovation capability to deliver competitive advantage with Preferred suppliers.
• Provide key input into the annual Integrated Market Planning reviews, in collaboration with the Market and Sourcing teams, aligned with all relevant stakeholders’ business objectives and priorities. This list is not exhaustive and includes any other ad-hoc duties and responsibilities required from time to time.

Technical Skills & Experience

• Preferably degree educated, with a relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g. CIPS,RICS, MBA, MSC). Demonstrable procurement experience to include supplier management / collaboration.
• Demonstrable stakeholder management skillset.
• Knowledge of key supplier management / collaboration processes, tools and methodologies.
• Demonstrable level of negotiation, relationship development, and dispute resolution skill set.
• Politically savvy, with the proven ability to use exemplary direct and indirect influencing strategies.
• Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience and in large, complex organisations.
• Experience with cross-functional collaborative working methods.
• Detailed knowledge of the Utilities market sector.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Preferably degree educated, with a relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g. CIPS,RICS, MBA, MSC).

Other

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.