Contract Manager

**Who are we?**
Thames Water is the UK’s largest water and wastewater company. We make a daily difference to our 15 million customers by supplying 2.6 billion litres of water through 32,000 km of pipes, keeping taps flowing and toilets flushing. At Thames Water, every oneof our actions, big and small, matters every day. Water is essential to life, so our business is always open.
**What you’ll be doing as a Contract Manager**
At Thames Water, we are seeking an experienced Contract Manager to join our expanding team, with work locations based in north London.
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 willbe key activities in this role.
This role is located within Thames Water’s Operational Projects and Logistics Team (OPAL) 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 improvingthe 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.
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

**Job Details**:

- £52,000 to £57,000 depending on skills and experience
- 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
- Full-Time, Permanent position
- Hybrid position based at Darenth
- Travel will be required 2-4 times per week (dependent on business requirements) within the Thames Water estate to conduct site audits, attend contractor meetings and general site engagement

**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

**What’s in it for you?**
Our competitive salary package includes an excellent contributory pension, 26 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service and a wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save youmoney and support your well-being.
Thames Water is a dynamic, rewarding and diverse place to work, with opportunities around every corner.If you join our team, you’ll enjoy a fulfilling career and flexible working arrangements.
Find out more about working at Thames Water
We deliver life's essential service so our customers, communities and the environment can thrive. This means, when a crisis happens, we all rally round to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customerson the frontline as an Ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and a earn bit of extra money along the way.