Head of Procurement

Job Description

About us

United Utilities keeps the North West flowing — delivering essential water services to millions of homes and businesses every day. As we enter a period of major transformation, our Commercial function is playing a critical role in driving sustainability, resilience and long‑term value across our operations.

We’re looking for a Head of Procurement to lead a high‑performing team and take ownership of a £300–£350m spend portfolio spanning Bioresources, Scientific Services, Fleet, Chemicals and Energy. This is a strategic, high‑impact role where your decisions will directly influence environmental outcomes, operational performance and the future of our supply chain.

Join a FTSE 100 organisation where innovation, inclusion and purpose sit at the heart of everything we do.

Why Join Us?

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Car cash allowance - £5,000
• Up to 20% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• 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

What you'll be doing

You’ll lead a talented team of procurement professionals and shape the commercial strategy for some of our most critical spend areas. Your work will drive value, sustainability and innovation across the business. Your key responsibilities include: • Providing strategic leadership across market insights, sourcing and supplier collaboration. • Building strong, influential relationships with senior stakeholders through a true business partnering model. • Leading the development of complex, multi‑million‑pound market strategies that are insight‑led, commercially robust and aligned to business priorities. • Overseeing delivery of sourcing pipelines, supplier collaboration plans and value‑driven commercial outcomes. • Driving sustainability, innovation and operational resilience across the supply chain. • Leading annual business planning for your category portfolio, ensuring alignment with long‑term operational needs. • Ensuring compliance with procurement policy, regulations and governance frameworks. • Coaching, developing and inspiring a high‑performing commercial team with clear succession planning. • Acting as a recognised expert in market strategy, sourcing and supplier management across UU.

What we're Looking for?

You’ll bring a blend of strategic thinking, commercial acumen and leadership capability — with the confidence to influence at senior levels and the curiosity to challenge the status quo.

Essential experience:

• Significant experience leading complex, business‑critical procurement categories.
• Strong commercial acumen with expertise in negotiation, risk management and dispute resolution.
• Proven senior stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
• Experience managing strategic supplier relationships and driving performance and innovation.
• Ability to interpret market intelligence and shape strategy.
• Experience delivering sustainability, innovation or resilience outcomes within supply chains.
• Strong problem‑solving capability within large, complex organisations.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Knowledge of the utilities sector and relevant regulations.

Nice to have

• Experience working with Bioresource technical supply chains or scientific/engineering‑led environments
• Exposure to technical categories such as chemicals, energy, fleet or scientific services.
• Project management experience.
• Post‑graduate qualifications such as CIPS, RICS, MBA or MSc.

Qualifications

Essential Qualifications

• Preferably degree educated, with a relevant post-graduate qualification (e.g. CIPS,RICS, MBA, MSC)

Make an Impact that Matters

Every colleague at United Utilities plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service to our customers. In return, we’ll support your development, reward your contribution and give you the platform to build a thriving career.

If you’re ready to lead with purpose and shape the future of commercial excellence in a major FTSE 100 organisation, we’d love to hear from you.

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