Programme Manager

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Programme Manager to lead and oversee projects within our Inventory & Supply Chain function. This role is key to ensuring the successful delivery of multiple supply chain and inventory-related initiatives, driving process optimisation, and supporting effective warehouse operations. The Programme Manager will play a pivotal role in aligning project outcomes with business goals while maintaining operational excellence and strong stakeholder engagement.

What you will be doing as a Programme Manager

The main areas of focus will include:

• Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of inventory and supply chain projects from initiation through to completion.
• Oversee project timelines, resource plans, budgets, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (Inventory, Supply Chain, Warehouse Operations) to ensure project deliverables meet operational needs.
• Manage relationships with external suppliers and service providers, ensuring delivery of key project requirements and compliance with SLAs.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement across inventory and supply chain operations and implement best practice solutions.
• Act as a key point of contact for all programme-related communications, ensuring transparency and alignment with stakeholders at all levels.
• Apply project management methodologies (e.g. Agile, PRINCE2, PMP) to ensure consistent delivery standards.
• Track, report, and escalate project performance metrics, providing regular updates to senior leadership.
• Ensure all projects comply with regulatory, safety, and company standards.

Internally, this role is known as Inventory & Supply Specialist.

The base location for this role will be Didcot Distribution Centre, OX11.

Please note: you will receive a car allowance, and a valid driving licence is required.

Hours of work are 36 hours a week, Monday to Friday.

What you should bring to the role

To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you’ll need is:

• Proven experience in programme or senior project management roles within inventory and/or supply chain environments.
• Strong knowledge of inventory control, logistics, warehouse operations, and supply chain systems.
• Proficiency in SAP ECC and other supply chain management tools.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and engage at all levels.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent projects with complex interdependencies.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with a collaborative and proactive approach.
• Ability to manage budgets, forecast resource needs, and deliver projects within defined constraints.
• Experience working with external vendors and managing contract performance.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a strong focus on outcomes and continuous improvement.

The desirable criteria you’ll need is:

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Business, Logistics, or a related field (preferred).
• Project management certification (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2, Agile) preferred.
• 5+ years’ experience in programme or project management roles within the supply chain and/or logistics sectors.

What’s in it for you?

• Offering between £57,000 to £63,000 per annum, depending on experience and skills.
• Car Allowance of £5,800 per annum.
• Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (Plus bank holidays) 
• Performance-related pay plan directly linked to both company and individual performance measures and targets.
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.

Find out more about our benefits and perks

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.

If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.

Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else, just let us know, we’re here to help and support.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on 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 and meet colleagues.

Disclaimer: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.