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 benefits society. 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.
Joining us
You'll join a thriving FTSE 100 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
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. 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 expertise in End to End Procurement processes and supplier relationship management, Carbon reduction in Supply chain and Ethical Procurement within the ESG ?Are you a great problem solver with experience in large, complex organisations? Do you have a passion for delivering sustainability strategies? If yes, then we have a brilliant opportunity for you at United Utilities (UU) as a Supplier Collaboration Manager.
As a Supplier Collaboration Manager, you will support the Category Teams and internal stakeholders through the establishment and implementation of ways of working (frameworks, processes, procedures, governance) that will embed commercial best practice to support delivery of best value from the Strategic Supplier arrangements. You will be accountable for the United Supply Chain Programme, promoting ethical, sustainable, environmental social, and governance standards within the Supply Chain in United Utilities whilst leveraging United Utilities significant supply chain spend.
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. Collaboration will be key as you build strong working relationships, manage key internal and external stakeholders effectively to support and lead on initiatives that tackle challenges unique to our industry, contributing to our success and helping us achieve our objectives.
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!
Main Responsibilities
- Review and align the Supplier Collaboration framework to ensure optimum adoption within the UU Supply chain.
- Responsible for ensuring that the Strategic Supplier Managers implement the full Supplier Collaboration Framework for Strategic and select Preferred suppliers, working with all relevant key stakeholders.
- Overall accountability for the United Supply Chain (USC) programme, ensuring that UU Responsible Sourcing Principles are embedded throughout the supply chain.
- Accountable for leading the annual segmentation of the existing supplier base, working in collaboration with the Strategic Supplier Managers and relevant senior key stakeholders.
- Responsible for the on-development of the full Meeting Governance Framework (Suppliers engagement plan) to ensure its consistent use by the Strategic Supplier Managers, working in collaboration with the Executive Owners for each key relationship.
- Engage regularly with the Senior Sponsors of the strategic supplier relationships, gathering feedback and insight for supplier collaboration continuous improvement activities.
- Responsible for maintaining the supplier Code of Conduct, educating existing and new suppliers to promote, nurture, and enhance a strong ethical and culture way of working.
- Support the on-going development and implementation of the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Sustainability strategies across UU, working in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders and the Commercial function.
- Lead the creation and delivery of regular supplier events, sharing UU strategic priorities, market insights, and shared learning.
- Facilitate any Commercial specific media, branding and publicity campaigns, in collaboration with the Communications team, to include leadership of implementing key contract and supplier press announcements negotiated within supplier contracts, led by the Sourcing team.
About you
- Degree in a relevant discipline OR equivalent relevant experience within a commercial and supply chain environment
- Significant relevant experience in End to End Procurement / Commercial fields
- Significant collaboration and business partnering experience with senior stakeholders
- Demonstrable levels of experience in supplier management / collaboration
- Outstanding influencing skills with the ability to establish cross-functional relationships and manage cultural, political and organisational change
- Familiar with Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) and Sustainability principles