Category & Sourcing Manager

Brighton, Sussex
Adecco

Job Title: Category & Sourcing Manager

Location: Falmer (Brighton)

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 37/ week

Salary: 55,000

Ready to make an impact? Join Southern Water at a pivotal time as we deliver AMP8 – our largest investment programme ever; transforming our infrastructure over the next five years. As a Category & Sourcing Manager, you’ll have unparalleled exposure to high-value contracts and strategic projects, shaping procurement strategies that influence the future of water and wastewater services.

This is a unique opportunity to work with a collaborative team, enjoy autonomy and variety, and play a critical role in driving innovation and value across one of the UK’s most ambitious programmes.

There has never been a better time to join our organisation as we build towards a greener future, tackling climate change, minimising our environmental impact and reducing our carbon footprint!

(Please note: we are unable to offer sponsorship on this role)

What you’ll be doing

As a Category & Sourcing Manager, you will:

• Develop and implement category strategies for delivery partners and major projects, ensuring alignment with procurement regulations (PA23) and business objectives.
• Lead sourcing and contracting activities, including formal tendering processes, mini competitions, and framework agreements.
• Engage with stakeholders to understand requirements and deliver solutions that optimise total cost of ownership.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through standardisation, demand aggregation, and minimising tail spend.
• Introduce best practices and innovation into category strategies, ensuring continuous improvement.
• Monitor performance and compliance with policies, processes, and governance frameworks.

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Experienced in category management, public sector, or construction industry procurement (UCR or PA23 knowledge desirable).
• Skilled in developing category strategies and managing complex sourcing processes.
• A strong communicator and influencer, able to build relationships with senior stakeholders.
• Commercially aware, with excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proactive and self-sufficient, with a continuous improvement mindset.

Essential:

• Recognised procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS or equivalent).
• Experience in construction, utilities, or public sector procurement.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of NEC forms of contract.
• Advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, engineering, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).

Additional information

• Hybrid working: 2 days in the office
• Travel: Occasional site visits in the Southern Water region.
• Flexible options: Job share or compressed hours considered.

What’s in it for you?

• Exposure to high-value contracts and strategic projects.
• Opportunity to influence procurement for one of the UK’s largest infrastructure investment programmes.
• Competitive salary and benefits, plus career development opportunities.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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