About usSalary - 45,974
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 7.5% 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 PurposeAccountable for leading the management and development of medium cost and business risk assessed suppliers (Preferred), working with relevant stakeholders, to drive the fullest overall cost, risk, relationship, and performance value.
Leadership of 15 to 25 medium cost and business risk (Preferred) suppliers utilising the lite implementation of the Supplier Collaboration Framework. Delivering the greatest overall defined cost, risk, relationship, innovation, and performance led value.
Aligned to the Commercial Balanced Business Scorecard, contributing to the team annual savings target.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities*Leadership of 15 to 25 medium cost and business risk assessed suppliers, utilising the lite implementation of the Supplier Management Framework to meet all contract, regulatory, and exit strategy requirements, and deliver the full commercial and contractual value negotiated by Sourcing.
*Working collaboratively with the relevant Market Management and Sourcing team members, together with relevant stakeholders, to drive the fullest overall cost, risk, relationship, and performance value.
*Delivery of on-going and 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 lite Supplier Management Framework. Support the operational owners of the contracts in their day-to-day accountabilities with their Preferred supplier/s.
*Execution of the lite Meeting Governance Framework for specifically led suppliers.
*Identification of evolving business requirements throughout the contract and relationship life cycle, to include contract change, maintenance, renewals, and demand management activities.
*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.
*Develop and execute process for uploading and maintaining supplier contractual data on relevant systems, to maintain accurate contractual cost, spend, risk and relationship management information and to support the annual Finance led budget planning process in the event of budgetary challenges, contractual dispute and issues or if contractual contingency plans are invoked
*Research and disseminate external market supplier management practices within the Supplier Management team, to enhance existing good practice and moving towards a recognised best in class capability, in support of the employer of choice ambition
*Develop and implement contract continuous improvement activities, demand pipeline assessments and annual customer satisfaction surveys, to deliver accurate progress reporting against each baseline contract
Technical Skills & Experience*Preferably degree educated, with a relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g. CIPS,RICS, MBA, MSC).
*Procurement experience, to include supplier management / collaboration.
*Experience of driving value from complex supplier contracts and relationships.
*Demonstrable stakeholder management skillset.
*Knowledge of key supplier management / collaboration processes, tools and methodologies.
*Experience with negotiation, relationship development, and dispute resolution.
*Politically aware, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies.
*Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience.
*Completer finisher mindset.
*Detailed knowledge of the Utilities market sector.
*Project management experience would be beneficial
QualificationsEssential Qualifications
*Preferably degree educated, with a relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g. CIPS,RICS, MBA, MSC).
OtherWe 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.