Senior Procurement Specialist

• Strong knowledge and practical experience of procurement under the Procurement Act 2023 (and/or previous public procurement regulations including PCR 2015 and UCR 2016) and other relevant legislation.

• Experience managing procurement activities with tier 1 suppliers and subcontractors within complex supply chains.

• Experience working within a major construction, infrastructure, or capital programme procurement/commercial function, including the procurement and management of NEC4 contracts.

• Substantial understanding and application of project management and project controls principles within a programme or project environment.

• Significant experience in developing, implementing, and delivering category strategies and procurement strategies that achieve commercial and operational objectives.

• Knowledge of, or experience working within, a regulated environment (e.g. utilities, water, energy, transport, or public sector) is desirable.

Anglian Water offers a flexible approach; this role provides you with hybrid working.

We’re looking for a Senior Procurement Specialist to play a pivotal role in the successful delivery of the multi-billion-pound Anglian Water Reservoirs Programme, a once-in-a-generation initiative securing long-term water resilience for millions.

In this high-profile role, you’ll lead the planning and execution of a complex pipeline of procurement projects, ensuring timely, cost-effective, and compliant outcomes that align with the latest legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023. You’ll combine strategic thinking with sharp commercial insight to manage negotiations, build strong supplier and stakeholder relationships, and drive best value for the Programme.

Using your expert knowledge of procurement and category strategy, you’ll influence at all levels, both internally and across the supply chain, whist developing a deep understanding of market dynamics and demand. You’ll also help shape real-time project visibility by generating quality data and ensuring systems are accurate and up to date.

As a senior member of the team, you’ll mentor and support colleagues across the procurement function, helping to build capability, share knowledge, and embed best practice across the Reservoirs Programme.

Aligning to the Programmes’ overarching procurement and supply chain strategy, you will take ownership of a portfolio of procurement projects within the Reservoirs Programme, driving timely delivery while ensuring value, compliance, and effective risk management. Leading supplier selection and commercial negotiations, you’ll collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and the Commercial Team to meet project requirements and maintain strong supplier relationships.

You’ll develop deep market and category knowledge to shape procurement strategies that align with programme needs and wider business goals. Using data and market insights, you’ll identify risks and opportunities, supporting informed decision-making and forecasting.

Post-award, you’ll work with the Commercial Team to monitor contract performance, identify improvement opportunities, and support supplier exit activities where necessary.

Throughout, you’ll ensure all procurement activity adheres to legal, regulatory, and organisational governance standards, maintaining clear and accurate documentation aligned with Anglian Water’s processes.

We’re seeking a strategic thinker with a proven track record of delivering procurement strategies that achieve impactful outcomes and align to the programmes strategic objectives within a major infrastructure or large scale capital delivery environment. You’ll excel at driving informed decision-making, managing multiple complex projects, and influencing senior stakeholders with clear, confident and proactive communication. Strong negotiation skills and proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools will enable you to build effective relationships and navigate governance frameworks seamlessly.

• Double-matched pension scheme – maximum 7% employee / 14% employer contribution. Additional AVC scheme.

• Personal private health care 

• Annual bonus scheme 

• 26 days leave + Bank Holidays, with the option to swap Christmas and Easter holidays for those celebrated by your religion 

• Life Cover at 8x your salary 

• Personal accident cover at up to 5x salary

• Flexible benefits to support your wellbeing and lifestyle 

Join us at a pivotal moment as we deliver one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure projects — the Anglian Water Reservoirs Programme. This is your chance to make a real difference, shaping sustainable water solutions that will benefit millions for decades to come.

You’ll work in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment where your expertise and strategic insight will directly influence outcomes and drive innovation. We value your growth and development, offering opportunities to lead, mentor, and advance your career while contributing to a truly impactful programme.

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