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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and inspire teams to drive innovation in the railway industry.
- Company: Network Rail connects millions, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 28 days leave, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while shaping the future of the railway with cutting-edge solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial skills and relevant professional membership required; experience in procurement is a plus.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and career development.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
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View more categories | View less categories | Sector: Supply Chain and Procurement | Role: Senior Manager | Contract Type: Permanent | Hours: Full Time
About Network Rail
Join Our Team at Network Rail!
Are you ready to make a difference in people\’s lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We\’re an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others. Click here to watch our inspiring video to learn more about us!
We\’re dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we\’re committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here .
Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you\’re passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!
About our people and the recruitment process – We\’re an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don\’t always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we\’ll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work-life balance.
We\’re also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we\’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply, and interview for roles.
About GBRX
At GBRX, we are transforming the railway industry through strategic procurement and commercial innovation. As the Head of Procurement, you will lead the procurement function with a strategic vision to drive innovation and excellence across the rail industry. Your primary purpose is to develop and implement procurement strategies that ensure cost-efficiency, compliance, and foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. You will leverage cutting-edge technologies and best practices to enhance supplier relationships, streamline processes, and deliver sustainable value. By championing innovative procurement solutions, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the function\’s strategy.
The role also supports procurement for the East Coast Digital Programme and Industry Partnership Digital Railway (IPDR) programme, leading large, complex procurements ranging from train control systems to the fitment of locomotives across freight, heritage, charter, passenger, and on-track machine sectors.
You will do this whilst ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Brief Description
The Head of Procurement will oversee pre-contract procurement, ensuring compliance with regulations and internal standards. You will inspire and lead the procurement team to meet business objectives while delivering expertise on all procurement matters.
About the role (External)
Key Accountabilities
- Lead the continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems, focusing on enhancing quality and efficiency in pre- and post-contract management.
- Inspire and lead procurement teams to achieve full engagement with business objectives and provide expertise on procurement issues to functional management.
- Ensure compliance with company procedures, providing resources, training, and communication strategies, while enhancing procurement staff capabilities to meet legal and corporate governance requirements.
- Foster positive working relationships with internal departments, regulatory bodies, and government entities to improve coordination across functions.
- Provide specialist advice on contract and procurement matters, promoting a consistent commercial approach to the supply market and driving joint initiatives.
- Develop and implement supplier strategies for a portfolio of up to £20BN over 5 years, mitigating supply market risks and maximising commercial advantage.
- Champion the stewardship of the Procurement profession by establishing pathways for professional development and external qualification.
Essential Qualifications and Experience
- Strong commercial aptitude with the ability to act as a role model, maintaining high personal and professional standards.
- The ability to balance stakeholder expectations with business and supplier capabilities.
- Membership or Fellowship of a relevant professional institution (e.g., CIPS or RICS).
- Comprehensive knowledge of contract, safety, and environmental requirements.
- Thorough knowledge of procurement legislation, particularly as it applies to the railway sector.
Desirable Qualifications
- Extensive senior-level management experience in procurement and contracting, ideally within the rail or construction industry.
- Educated to degree level.
- Experience with procurement processes and procedures within Network Rail.
Ready to drive procurement innovation? Join GBRX as the Head of Procurement and play a key role in shaping the future of the railway industry.
Apply today to lead a transformative procurement function.
How to apply (External)
Salary: £85,395 – £97,991 range
Click apply now to apply.
Hybrid working opportunity! This role could be based in York or London.
What does our recruitment process look like?
- Once you have applied, our Recruitment Specialist will review your CV.
- If your experience matches what we\’re looking for, you\’ll be invited to a face-to-face interview with the hiring manager.
Drugs and Alcohol Standard:
Our Drugs and Alcohol Standard is changing as of 16.01.2023. All prospective candidates who have not been offered a conditional role by this date will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on the Sentinel database, and a 5-year suspension from applying for safety-critical roles will be enforced.
You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support. Should you require any reasonable adjustments or modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits – To find out about our benefits, click here
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks. Click here for more information.
Company
Every day, 4.8 million people use our network. Keeping Britain moving and building a better railway for the future presents challenges but also tremendous opportunities.
From our commitments to your development, our range of benefits, and our approach to Diversity & Inclusion, we believe there are many reasons to join Network Rail.
We’re proactive in empowering employees with knowledge to help them progress. We encourage ambition and offer training and career development opportunities. As the railway becomes more technologically advanced, having the right skills is crucial for your career growth.
We believe investing in our people improves safety, reliability, and efficiency of the railway.
Your health, wellbeing, and benefits
We prioritize safety and performance, including your wellbeing. We offer support services such as our employee assistance program, and encourage use of volunteer days for causes you care about.
Our benefits include:
- 28 days annual leave
- My benefits – discounted online shopping
- Discounted offers including childcare vouchers, healthcare, cycle to work, and more
- Up to 75% subsidies on rail and underground season tickets
- Range of pension schemes
- 2 weeks paid reserve leave for Armed Forces
What Diversity and Inclusion means to us
‘Diversity’ recognizes differences; ‘Inclusion’ creates safe, welcoming workplaces. We aim for behaviors and actions that support diversity and inclusion to be part of our daily operations.
Disability Confident Leader
Network Rail is an accredited Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants meeting essential criteria will receive an interview. Find out more .
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Contact Detail:
ENGINEERINGUK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement, especially within the railway sector. Understanding current challenges and innovations can help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to Network Rail's goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network Rail values diversity and inclusion, so be prepared to discuss how you have fostered these principles in your previous roles. Highlighting your commitment to creating an inclusive workplace can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Build connections with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience in the rail industry. Networking can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals that strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. As a Head of Procurement, showcasing your ability to inspire and lead will be crucial in the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and supply chain management. Focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and drive innovation, as these are key aspects of the Head of Procurement role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the railway industry and your understanding of Network Rail's mission. Discuss how your skills align with their goals, particularly in fostering a culture of innovation and compliance.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your qualifications, especially any memberships in professional institutions like CIPS or RICS. Emphasise your knowledge of procurement legislation and your experience in managing large-scale projects within the rail or construction sectors.
Showcase Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've inspired and led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to balance stakeholder expectations and your experience in developing procurement strategies that deliver value.
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Research Network Rail
Before your interview, take some time to understand Network Rail's mission, values, and recent projects. Familiarising yourself with their commitment to diversity and inclusion will show that you align with their culture and are genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a senior manager, you'll likely face behavioural questions that assess your leadership style and decision-making skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and drive innovation in procurement.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Highlight your strong commercial aptitude during the interview. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully balanced stakeholder expectations with business capabilities in previous roles, especially in procurement or contracting within the rail or construction industry.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions about the procurement strategies at Network Rail and how they plan to innovate in the future. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your strategic thinking and understanding of the industry.
