Procurement Risk & Assurance Manager - C&P

As part of an exciting transformation in the Eastern Region Commercial Directorate, we are looking for talented individuals to join our growing team and work alongside a range of business units and across a varied and large portfolio. There are opportunities to support and lead Commercial activities on major projects and programmes, which deliver some of the most exciting and innovative projects in UK infrastructure.

The Eastern Region Commercial Team prides itself on continuous improvement and a learning culture, with opportunities for career development for everyone, where individuals with the right skills, enthusiasm and behaviours can make a real impact to the commercial, supply chain and governance approaches we take in Eastern Region. Furthermore, we are part of the solution to addressing wider industry targets in our business, such as sustainable supply chains or carbon net zero targets, therefore no one day need be the same.

This role sits in the Compliance, Assurance & Performance team, part of the Commercial & Procurement function in the Eastern Region of Network Rail. We are seeking an experienced commercial professional, who will utilise their knowledge and experience in procurement, contract management, risk and assurance to provide guidance and advice to regulated commercial and procurement activities throughout the organisation.

You will control and implement our risk and assurance activities across the Eastern Region’s commercial community with a focus on post contract, conducting internal functional reviews and utilising data to provide strategic insights to the commercial leadership team. Liaising with stakeholders across the Region at every level, you will deliver a business partner style service.

About the role (External), 1. Independently undertake and provide verbal and written feedback on end to end procurement lifecycle activities including category strategy, sourcing and supplier management outputs. Provide assurance over all key process outputs and deliverables, providing a viewpoint in relation to a number of key factors e.g. best practice, whole life value, innovation and regulatory compliance (in line with Utilities Contract Regulations), to deliver best value to NR and its customers.

1. Plan and control the execution of an auditable procurement risk and assurance first line of defence model across Route Services Commercial & Procurement so that assurance undertaken balances the need for commercial activity to progress at speed, whilst also allowing new contractual commitments to be developed effectively (e.g. in line with financial, reputational, contractual and regulatory requirements).

2. Direct and manage external Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in the delivery of additional assurance activities, planning work allocation and reviewing the outputs. Delivering timely and effective assurance reviews for stakeholders.

3. Implement second line of defence audits on regional Commercial & Procurement teams. Review compliance with central policy and agree improvement actions where required, to develop the overall compliance and performance of the Commercial & Procurement profession within Network Rail.

4. Identify and implement improvements to the Procurement assurance framework. Work in collaboration with Commercial & Procurement experts across Network Rail and additional key stakeholders to improve commercial outcomes including Risk & Opportunity management.

5. Raising awareness of assurance and streamlining future procurement programmes by deliver training and awareness sessions to a wide variety of audiences on the Network Rail approach to commercial assurance.

6. Facilitating greater risk awareness and management by implementing risk management activities throughout Route Services C&P, improving the overall commercial control within Network Rail.

7. Contribute to the development of the Risk and Assurance team by providing input into training requirements, fostering teamwork and mentoring junior members of the team thus maximising the value the team can deliver for the organisation.

· Educated to a degree standard or equivalent work experience

· Experience of undertaking commercial Risk and Assurance activities

· Experience in undertaking sourcing activities within a regulated environment

· Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

· Ability to manage change and dispute resolution

· Experienced with cross-functional collaborative working methods

· Politically aware, with the ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies

· Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels

· Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience in a large, complex organisation

· Detailed understanding of the Utilities Contract Regulations 2016 or Public Contract Regulations 2015 and their employment on the sourcing of complex goods, works and services contracts

Desirable

· Detailed knowledge of the UK Rail Industry

· Experience within a highly regulated infrastructure or engineering environment

· In depth experience of preparing and reviewing contract documentation

Research suggests that individuals from underrepresented groups may be less likely to apply for a job if they don’t meet all the listed criteria. We are building a diverse and inclusive place to work where people of all backgrounds can thrive. We encourage you to apply for this role. If this isn’t the job for you, there may be other roles available in the wider team.

· 28 days annual leave + bank holidays

· 75% discount on rail leisure travel for you and your family

· 75% subsidised Season Ticket for work travel (includes Underground)

· A range of pension options

· Annual Performance Related Pay package

· Flexible and agile working arrangements

· Healthcare package

· Discounts on shopping

· Discounted Gym memberships and much more., Network Rail is required to comply with UK Government standards when carrying out pre-employment checks for all new starters; this includes a basic criminal record check. In addition to the basic criminal record check, in accordance with the UK Government we are also required to verify your identity, right to work in the UK and previous three years employment history.

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. . Please ensure you have the appropriate Right to Work status when applying for this role."

Keeping people safe on the railway is at the heart of everything we do, safe behaviour is therefore a requirement of working for Network Rail. You should be able to demonstrate your to safety and awareness of our .

Network Rail can offer you a rewarding career with competitive pay and excellent including a choice of contributory pension schemes, a generous annual leave package, a bonus scheme and an annual 75% subsidy on season tickets costing up to £3,333 (to a maximum amount of £2,500). You will also be entitled to 28 days annual leave

Salary: £55,596 to £63,767 per annum.

Employees will be entitled to a 75% discount off leisure travel, this includes off peak and super off peak tickets

We are here to support you through every step of the recruitment process and to enable you to perform to the best of your ability. If you require any adjustments or modifications please contact Mark Holt (Resourcing Business Partner) at mark.holt@networkrail.co.uk. You can also visit Evenbreak’s Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you’re unsure of the options available.