Strategic Resources Procurement Manager

The role of Strategic Resources Procurement Manager at Affinity Water presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to two significant water transfer projects: the Grand Union Canal Transfer and the Thames to Affinity Transfer. These projects aim to enhance water supply resilience in the Southeast through innovative infrastructure solutions.

Job Overview:

The Procurement Manager will play a vital role in the Strategic Resource Option (SRO) team to drive the successful delivery of these major projects. As part of the Commercial and Procurement team, the position requires leadership, collaboration, and an ability to manage procurement activities across the full project lifecycle—from pre-tendering through to financial close. The projects involve collaboration with various teams, including design, asset delivery, environmental sustainability, and finance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Procurement Schedule Management: Oversee and manage timelines for procurement activities.
• Supplier Relationship Development: Engage with potential bidders, investors, and the supply chain to build strong relationships.
• Commercial Negotiations: Support negotiations with bidders to ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations.
• Risk Management: Identify and manage risks, especially those arising from macro-economic impacts on the supply chain.

Essential Criteria:

• Procurement Experience: Experience in PFI (Private Finance Initiative)/PPP, preferably in water or major infrastructure sectors.
• Experience in the UK Water Sector: Either directly or indirectly involved in the water industry.
• Knowledge of UK Infrastructure Contracts: Familiarity with NEC contracts.
• Procurement Tools and Techniques: Expertise in market insights, contract management, risk management, and supply chain management.
• Regulated Environment Experience: Experience managing procurement activities for complex infrastructure projects within a regulated environment.
• Procurement Regulations Knowledge: Understanding of current procurement regulations, especially in the context of the UK water sector.
• Degree or Professional Accreditation: Degree-level education or significant relevant experience, with accreditation in procurement (e.g., CIPS).
• Negotiation Skills: Strong ability to negotiate and influence to achieve outcomes.

Personal Skills and Key Competencies:

• Communication and Influencing Skills: Ability to communicate clearly and influence key stakeholders effectively.
• Negotiation and Influencing: Achieve desired outcomes through strong negotiation skills.
• Project Management: Able to handle multiple priorities and work flexibly to meet tight deadlines.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Supportive of co-workers and able to work well within a team.
• Resilience and Flexibility: Ability to manage project challenges effectively.
• Travel Flexibility: Willingness to travel to various project sites as needed.

Why This Role is Exciting:

This is an exceptional opportunity for a Procurement Manager to shape the procurement strategy for nationally significant water transfer projects. If you're passionate about sustainable water supply solutions and thrive in managing complex infrastructure projects, this role offers the chance to lead in delivering impactful solutions for the Southeast’s water needs.

Benefits Include:

• Competitive salary dependant on experience
• Level 2 car allowance £4,305
• Learning and development opportunities, including mentoring and a range of formal courses and open learning resources.
• Entry into the company annual bonus scheme.
• Annual leave from 26 days rising with length of service, and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days.
• A ‘Celebration Day’ in addition to public holidays that people can use to celebrate a religious festival or other occasion that is important to them.
• A generous 'double match pension scheme' that doubles the contributions you make (company contribution capped at 12%)
• We offer a range of family benefits including enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity, Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support Leave and up to 5 full or 10 half days of paid Carers Leave.
• Menopause policy and Reasonable Adjustment policy to help everyone perform at their best.
• Access to our Wellbeing Centre with support for looking after your physical and mental health.
• Discounts at a Range of Retail Outlets and on Dental and Medical Insurance through our Tap4Perks scheme.
• Disability confident (if you need to apply through a different format, please contact the Talent Acquisition Partner for this role)

Affinity Water recognises the benefits of greater diversity in our workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We are committed to building a more inclusive culture where every member of our workforce can thrive.