Category Sourcing Specialist

Apply for the Category Sourcing Specialist role at myGwork - LGBTQ+ Business Community. Closing Date: 2026-01-04 Job Title: Category Sourcing Specialist Location: Falmer (Hybrid - 2-3 days per week in office, typically Tues/Weds/Thurs) Contract Type: Permanent Hours: Full-time (flexible working options considered, including job share and compressed hours) Salary: Up to £38,000 per annum, plus benefits About The Role Join Southern Water's Procurement team and play a key role in shaping category strategies and delivering cost efficiencies across a regulated environment. This is an exciting opportunity to support sourcing activities for major projects, capital delivery, and operational services, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and frameworks while driving value for the business. What You Will Be Responsible For Gather and analyse internal and external data to support the delivery of category and sub-category strategies. Drive cost reductions through aggregation, standardisation, and minimising spot buys/tail spend. Engage with stakeholders to support procurement processes, including running sourcing events and providing guidance on compliance. Deliver against financial targets and KPIs while ensuring adherence to procurement governance. Support mini competitions and sourcing activities for capital delivery projects and professional services. Conduct supplier due diligence and negotiations to secure capacity and capability for delivery. Essential Requirements Strong category management experience and knowledge of leading-practice tools and techniques. Knowledge of procurement processes in the public sector, including the frameworks and regulations surrounding them, e.g. PA23. Experience working in either the public sector (e.g. local council), another regulated industry (e.g. oil & gas) or the construction industry. Proven ability to analyse complex data and develop actionable insights. Excellent communication skills (verbal, written, and presentation) and ability to build effective relationships. Commercial awareness with strong analytical, planning, and problem‑solving skills. Progression Opportunities This role offers excellent development potential within Southern Water's Procurement function, with opportunities to progress into Category Manager roles and beyond. About Southern Water Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain's water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025‑30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed. You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. Our Commitment to Inclusion At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we'd love to hear from you—even if you don't tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need. If this role isn't quite what you're looking for but you'd like to be contacted about future opportunities, https://wd3.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/southernwater/SouthernWater/introduceYourself. Our Commitment to Diversity We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know. Seniority level Entry level Employment type Full-time Job function Purchasing and Supply Chain Industries Utilities #J-18808-Ljbffr