Contract Manager

at  Thames Water Utilites

At Thames Water, we are seeking an experienced Contract Manager to join our expanding team, with work locations based in the London area.
In your role as a Contract Manager, you will be responsible for managing a portfolio of Thames Water operational contracts. Driving performance, developing relationships with suppliers, and identifying commercial opportunities and service improvements will be key activities in this role.
This role is located within Thames Water’s Renewable and Logistics team and will predominantly be focused on Thames Water’s Water Networks. This involves several key partners from our supply chain who are responsible for maintaining and improving the network of water mains and keeping our customers in the supply of clean water. These suppliers play a key role in the overall operation of Thames Water’s activities and as such are high profile within the business.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING AS A CONTRACT MANAGER

There is a real opportunity to take ownership of these agreements, develop relationships with suppliers and drive performance to deliver exceptional service to our internal and external customers. Key duties will include:

• Managing the performance of contractors in accordance with the relevant contract requirements and business operational needs, to ensure the best value and services from suppliers are achieved in terms of cost, quality, and productivity
• Building relationships with key stakeholders and communicating relevant contractual information as required
• Identifying and implementing opportunities/improvements for commercial efficiencies across operational activities and contracts
• Leading on contract negotiations and implementation of contract variations as required
• Providing contract-related issue resolution to any arising supplier disputes or escalations
• Ensuring that all processes followed are in line with legislation and company policies and are auditable with crucial documents, information and communications confidentially stored
• Completing contract close-out, reviewing contracts for extension or renewal, and assisting procurement teams where applicable for re-procurement

Base location – This position will be based across the London area. You base location will be decided depending on where you are based. There is a requirement to travel to multiple locations as part of this role.
Working Hours are 36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING TO THE ROLE

• Hold a full valid UK driving licence and have your own transport
• Be able to demonstrate experience in managing operational contracts (either a large scale, high worth contract, or a portfolio of contracts)
• A strong technical understanding of commercial and contract management
• Negotiation and dispute resolution experience
• Have exceptional attention to detail and strong analytical skills
• Ability to deliver information and influence internal & external stakeholders at all levels
• Strong MS office skills, ability to work to deadlines and highly organised