Commercial Strategic Supplier Manager

About us

United Utilities (UU) is proud to be ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers List. We value diversity, inclusion, and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves. 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 and to belong to.

Our 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 Our projects are designed to be environmentally and socially responsible and will offer you opportunities to learn and grow throughout the project cycle. 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 supplier 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 Strategic Supplier Manager within Maintenance, 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 Strategic Supplier Manager, you will take the lead in managing some of our most critical suppliers and strategic sourcing programmes. You’ll be responsible for ensuring seamless collaboration and driving significant savings, transformational commercial approaches, and innovation of new technologies.

In joining us, you will have full exposure to the organisation, our major projects, and our largest industry partners. Strategic programme management and Stakeholder collaboration are 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.

We champion flexible ways of working. In-person attendance is required three days per week 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.

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 responsibilities

• Supplier Management: Oversee key strategic suppliers, developing joint account plans, optimising benefits, and ensuring compliance with contracts and regulations.
• Cost Savings: Drive continuous improvement by managing costs, services, and overall value.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with suppliers, senior leadership, and operational owners to execute the Supplier Management Framework.
• Innovation: Introduce cutting-edge solutions with our strategic suppliers.
• Market Recognition: Be known for your expertise in Supplier Collaboration both internally and externally.

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.
• Proven track record in supplier management and collaboration.
• Demonstrated senior-level stakeholder management skills.
• Familiarity with key supplier management processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Proven ability in negotiation, relationship development, and dispute resolution.
• Demonstrable problem-solving experience in large, complex organisations.
• Experience with cross-functional collaborative working methods.
• Leadership/ team management experience.
• Full UK driving license.

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