Strategic Sourcing Manager

Organisation: United Utilities
Pay Rate: £450 - £550 per day (Umbrella)
Contract/Working Arrangement: Initial 6-months / Hybrid: 3-days per week in-office

Are you an experienced procurement and sourcing professional with a proven track record of delivering significant commercial value?

We are seeking a Strategic Sourcing Manager to lead the delivery of business-critical sourcing activity across medium to high spend categories. This is a strategic role where you will influence procurement decisions across major expenditure areas, deliver multi-million-pound savings and benefits, and work closely with senior stakeholders to shape and execute sourcing strategies.

The Role

As Strategic Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for managing the end-to-end sourcing process, from requirements gathering through to contract execution, ensuring compliance with all legislative, regulatory and governance requirements. You will lead complex procurement activity, manage key supplier negotiations, and develop sourcing pipelines that deliver measurable commercial outcomes.

Working closely with executive stakeholders, Strategic Market Managers and supplier collaboration teams, you will identify opportunities to optimise spend, drive innovation and deliver long-term value across the organisation. You will also lead and develop a team of sourcing professionals, fostering a high-performance and collaborative culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing activity across complex and high-value spend categories.
• Deliver multi-million-pound savings and benefits aligned to business objectives.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that support integrated market plans.
• Lead high-value commercial negotiations with suppliers and stakeholders.
• Challenge demand and identify opportunities for cost reduction and value creation.
• Monitor market developments and supplier capabilities to drive competitive advantage.

About You

• Significant sourcing and procurement experience with a demonstrable record of delivering substantial savings.
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience managing senior stakeholders within large and complex organisations.
• Advanced negotiation and influencing skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and business areas.
• Ideally, exposure to the utilities sector and/or regulated procurement activity.
• Relevant professional qualification such as CIPS, RICS, MBA or MSc would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

This is an opportunity to join a high-performing commercial function where you can influence significant business decisions, lead major sourcing activities and deliver tangible commercial value. You will play a key role in shaping sourcing strategies that support the organisation's long-term objectives while developing and leading a talented team