At Thames Water, we’re delivering a £500m Smart Metering programme that will transform how we manage water usage and support a more sustainable future. We’re now looking for a commercially astute and data-driven professional to take a lead role in ensuring our inventory and logistics operations run seamlessly at scale.
What you’ll be doing as the Metering Inventory and Logistics Manager, you’ll sit at the heart of this high-profile programme, working closely with our Cost & Financial Planning Manager to ensure metering stock flows efficiently and cost-effectively. You’ll lead key activities across forecasting, procurement, supply chain optimisation and performance reporting, providing the insight and control needed to support successful programme delivery. Working with a wide range of stakeholders from external suppliers and delivery partners to internal logistics, finance and audit teams, you’ll turn complex data into clear, actionable insights that drive effective decision-making.
If you’re a proactive self-starter with strong stock management and logistics expertise, and you thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real impact at scale.
Key responsibilities
Inventory control
Lead forecasting for meter installations, translating delivery requirements into accurate stock plans and orders
Manage stock levels across Thames Water and delivery partner sites, ensuring continuity of supply and mitigating delivery risks
Own stocktakes and site audits—investigating discrepancies, calculating adjustments and reconciling to the balance sheet in collaboration with Finance
Oversee Returned Meter Assets (RMA), including calculation and processing of disposals
Review and analyse balance sheet positions, identifying and resolving anomaliesSystems management
Oversee end-to-end purchasing and receipting of stock
Ensure accurate, timely data flow across core systems including SAP ECC, SAP ERP, FSL and Orderwise
Drive improvements in stock management systems, enhancing visibility, control and efficiencySupply chain management
Build and manage relationships with multiple supply chain partners, resolving issues quickly to maintain stock integrity
Work closely with suppliers and logistics partners to optimise stock levels and distribution
Lead inventory movements between Thames Water and delivery partner warehousesReporting & analysis
Produce monthly reporting on stock position, usage and performance
Develop and manage KPIs to protect serviceability and programme performance
Provide data-led insights to identify trends, drive continuous improvement and support strategic decision-makingBase location: Hybrid – Worcester House, Langley (SL3 6EY), with occasional travel
Hours: 36 hours per week
What you should bring to the Role:
Essential
Strong experience in stock management and logistics
Experience working with SAP systems in stock and finance environments
Advanced Excel skills, including building financial models (forecasting and stock management)
Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret and present data clearly
Experience in project cost management or a strong finance backgroundYou’ll stand out if you have
Experience using Power BI or similar reporting tools
Strong commercial awareness within stock or logistics environments
Excellent attention to detail
Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach
Experience working across multidisciplinary teams to deliver shared outcomesWhat’s in it for you?
Competitive salary of £50,000 to £55,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience
26 days holiday, increasing to 30 with service (plus bank holidays)
Performance-related bonus linked to company targets
Generous pension scheme through Aon
Flexible benefits package including health MOTs, physiotherapy, counselling, Cycle to Work scheme, shopping discounts and life assuranceFind out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)
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
Salary description
£50000.00 - £55000.00 per year