Job title

Contract & Supplier Management Manager

Where you will work

• Durrington or Falmer
• You will travel regularly to different sites across the region

Contract type

• Permanent role

Hours

• Full time
• Flexible working is available
• Part time or job share will be considered

Salary

• Up to £48,000 per year
• Plus a competitive benefits package

About the role

Southern Water works with many suppliers to deliver safe and reliable water services.

The Supplier Engagement and Contract Management (SECM) team makes sure suppliers:

• Do what they agreed to do
• Deliver good value for money
• Work safely and follow rules

As a Contract & Supplier Management Manager, you will:

• Look after around 30–40 contracts
• Work closely with suppliers and internal teams
• Help prevent problems before they affect services

This role involves:

• Building strong working relationships
• Being clear and fair about expectations
• Managing performance and resolving issues

You will spend time:

• Visiting sites
• Meeting suppliers face to face
• Working with colleagues across the business

What you will do

In this role, you will:

• Manage contracts and suppliers, following agreed plans and guidance
• Build positive, professional relationships with suppliers
• Run regular performance review meetings
• Use data and feedback to improve supplier performance
• Handle contract issues, disagreements and escalations when needed
• Make sure contracts follow agreed processes and governance
• Track performance measures, changes and compliance
• Keep clear records of risks, issues and opportunities
• Share learning and improvements with other teams
• Support the Category Management team with:
• Sourcing activity
• Contract development
• Reviews and approvals
• Look for ways to improve how contracts and suppliers are managed
• Report on performance, risks and issues clearly and accurately

What you’ll need for this role

Essential experience and skills

You will need:

• Experience managing contracts and suppliers
• Experience working in an operational or regulated environment
• Confidence discussing performance, issues and expectations with suppliers
• Strong organisation and communication skills
• Experience leading meetings and reviews
• Ability to use information and data to support decisions
• Confidence having difficult or high-pressure conversations
• A full UK driving licence
• Willingness to travel regularly to different sites

Desirable (but not essential)

It would be helpful if you have:

• Experience in utilities, infrastructure, engineering, or water services
• Knowledge of contract lifecycle management
• Experience working with procurement or category management teams

If you do not meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply.

About Southern Water

Southern Water is changing how water services are delivered across the UK.

We are investing £7.8 billion between 2025 and 2030 to:

• Improve resilience
• Support sustainability
• Deliver better customer service

You will join during an exciting time of change and improvement.

We offer:

• Supportive leadership
• Opportunities to make a real impact
• A workplace where your contribution matters

Diversity and inclusion

We value difference and welcome applications from everyone.

We do not discriminate based on:

• Disability
• Neurodiversity
• Race or ethnicity
• Gender or gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Age
• Religion or belief

If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please tell us.