Sourcing Manager (Bioresources and Technical)

About Us

United Utilities’ (UU) mission is to deliver high-quality water for a more prosperous, 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 are proud to be ranked #4 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We promote a workplace culture where our people can grow, excel, and truly be themselves. We uphold our ethics, values, and business model to fulfil our mission. By setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable, long-term value for our colleagues, customers, and communities. Whether you collaborate with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation. We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include:

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• A 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme

At UU, we champion flexible ways of working. Regular in-person attendance is required to promote the benefits of face-to-face collaboration alongside flexibility of hours to support work-life balance. Initially, you may be expected to attend more frequently to familiarise yourselves with the site, the team, and your role.

As part of our commercial team, you will benefit from a range of training and development programs, such as Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) professional membership/chartered status, leadership coaching, professional accreditation and mentoring. We are here to support you in reaching your full potential and thriving in your career and beyond.

The role

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can utilise your sourcing management expertise, and ensure a collaborative approach? Are you a great problem solver with experience in large, complex organisations? If yes, then we have a brilliant opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a Sourcing Manager within our Bioresources and Technical team, joining our team at our headquarters in Lingley Mere, Warrington, Cheshire. UU are experiencing a period of growth and transformation, creating several opportunities within our Commercial function to work alongside our largest and most ambitious new projects. As a Sourcing Manager, you will support and aid the development of the sourcing process for multi million pound spends. You’ll be responsible for ensuring seamless collaboration and driving significant savings and benefits throughout the contract lifecycle. In joining us, you will have full exposure to the organisation, our major projects and our largest industry partners. Stakeholder collaboration is vital for this role. You will therefore need to build strong working relationships, manage key internal and external stakeholders effectively and ensure a full business partnering model, whilst maximising value, collaborating with other experts and leading initiatives to tackle challenges unique to our industry, contributing to our success and helping us achieve our objectives.

United Utilities offer dynamic and long-lasting options that will help you grow professionally and personally and you will have the chance to enhance your skill, knowledge and experience in a supportive and collaborative environment. If you are passionate about making a positive difference for the North West of England and want to join us on our journey of transformation, we would love to hear from you. Apply now and become part of the UU family!

Key Accountabilities

• Sourcing: Develop and undertake the Sourcing process (business requirement through to contract execution) for medium cost and business risk goods or services, influencing annual spend of up to £100M, managing all risk, legislative, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration: Working collaboratively with the Market Managers, and relevant stakeholders (at ‘Heads of’ level) to execute integrated market strategies through the development and delivery of a Sourcing pipeline.
• Negotiation: Lead negotiator of significant (multi-million pound) savings and benefits, working in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
• Cost Savings: Challenge demand in the pursuit of enhanced savings delivery, embracing the Market Management demand aggregation of common products and services, as well as delivering cost avoidance benefit.
• Market Awareness: Conduct regular competitor and market watch assessments in delivery of total cost of ownership assessments and different commercial models for sourcing contracts.

Skills & Experience

To be successful with your application, you’ll need to show that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Degree-educated with a relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g., CIPS, RICS, MBA, MSC) OR equivalent knowledge/experience.
• Significant sourcing experience, with a demonstrable track record of savings delivery.
• Proven stakeholder management skillset.
• Knowledge of key sourcing management processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skill set.
• Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience. If not already held, successful candidates will be supported to undertake the relevant level of study with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). This will be funded by UU.

Other

We believe in empowering you to achieve your aspirations and dreams, both in your work and in your life. To help you achieve your goals, we offer a variety of voluntary benefits that you can select according to your needs and preferences.

• Onsite gym and physio lounge with instructor-led gym classes and dedicated physiotherapist, onsite childcare and nursery, free parking and EV charging points, dedicated multi-faith/prayer rooms and free Warrington bus service for UU colleagues
• 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 Compliance Further Information More information can be found below:
• UU benefits: https://www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/careers/why-work-for-us/benefits-of-working-for-us/
• Pension information: https://www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/careers/pensions/
• UU careers: https://www.unitedutilities.com/corporate/careers/
• Data privacy: https://www.unitedutilities.com/privacy/ Selection Process Details Your application will go through the following stages of assessment: 1. Pre-sift - We will check that your CV meets the essential/eligibility criteria listed in the Skills & Experience section of this advert. On your CV, please clearly show how you meet the criteria above. 2. Sift - Your CV will be reviewed by UU hiring managers to determine eligibility for interview. 3. Interview - If invited to interview, you'll be assessed against the sift categories in the Skills & Experience section of this advert. 4. Feedback - Feedback will be provided post-interview. If successful, your application will be considered for offer. Please note feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview.