Sourcing Manager

Job Description

The role:

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can utilise your sourcing 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 Sourcing Manager within our Maintenance team, 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 Sourcing Manager, you will support and aid the development of the sourcing process for multi million pound spends. You’ll be responsible for ensuring seamless collaboration and driving significant savings and benefits throughout the contract lifecycle. 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. 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!

What you’ll be responsible for:

• Sourcing: Develop and undertake the Sourcing process (business requirement through to contract execution) for medium cost and business risk goods or services, influencing annual spend of up to £100M, managing all risk, legislative, and regulatory requirements.
• Collaboration: Working collaboratively with the Market Managers, and relevant stakeholders (at ‘Heads of’ level) to execute integrated market strategies through the development and delivery of a Sourcing pipeline.
• Negotiation: Lead negotiator of significant (multi-million pound) savings and benefits, working in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders.
• Cost Savings: Challenge demand in the pursuit of enhanced savings delivery, embracing the Market Management demand aggregation of common products and services, as well as delivering cost avoidance benefit.
• Market Awareness: Conduct regular competitor and market watch assessments in delivery of total cost of ownership assessments and different commercial models for sourcing contracts.

What we’re looking for:

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.
• Significant sourcing experience, with a demonstrable track record of savings delivery.
• Proven stakeholder management skillset.
• Knowledge of key sourcing management processes, tools, and methodologies.
• Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skill set.
• Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience.
• Full UK driving license.

What we offer:

• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days after four years, plus 8 bank holidays
• Competitive pension with up to 14% employer contribution (21% combined) and life cover
• Up to 10.5% performance‑related bonus
• Comprehensive company‑funded healthcare plan
• A strong commitment to flexible and hybrid working

About United Utilities:

United Utilities proudly serves the North West, delivering high‑quality water and wastewater services that support healthier communities, a stronger economy and a greener environment.

We’re ranked #11 in The Inclusive Top 50 UK Employers, and we’re serious about inclusion, wellbeing and creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. Our people are empowered to grow, innovate and make a meaningful difference — not just for our customers, but for the communities we serve.