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- Tasks: Support supply chain management and analyse data for effective contract delivery.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a leader in safe and efficient transportation across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, up to 28 days annual leave, and discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong administration skills and a customer-focused approach are essential; railway knowledge is a plus.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with 3 days in the office; salary ranges from £24,960 to £27,985.
The predicted salary is between 20800 - 22380 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes, GB
Department Name: NJ Materials & Projects (618716) G2
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.
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.
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.
Brief Description
Route Services is a division of Network Rail that provides the Routes with services so they can help Network Rail deliver a better railway for a better Britain. We support the Routes with a myriad of services and supplies they need to maintain and operate the railway.
This role sits within Supply Chain Operations (SCO), an area of the business which supplies and delivers the logistics, materials, components, rail and road fleet that enable the maintenance and renewal of the railway.
SCO keeps the materials, machinery and components required by its customers moving – making sure they are on-site when needed so work can go ahead as planned and on schedule.
About The Role (External)
In this role you'll support the management of the supply chain to achieve the most cost effective, compliant delivery and recycling of material. You'll record and analyse data to facilitate the provision of management information.
Key accountabilities include:
- Support the management of supply chain contracts to achieve the most cost effective delivery of goods and services.
- Collate data on all transactions incurred in delivering contracts. Investigate and reconcile transactions and costs as part of an end-to-end process.
- Develop effective relationships with customers and suppliers. Develop and maintain processes for effective query resolution.
- Support the team as required, to deliver a comprehensive service to the business areas.
- Provide data, analysis and commentary for management reports.
- Assist in supporting the timely collection of business unit commercial information and payment of business unit creditors.
- Assist in identification and implementation of quality and efficiency improvement initiatives.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following criteria:
Essential
- Proven ability to work to tight deadlines and mandated processes with a high level of accuracy.
- Good administration and analytical skills.
- Good interpersonal and relationship building skills.
- Good commercial awareness.
- A customer focussed approach.
Desirable
- Railway knowledge.
- Awareness of supply chain processes.
- Experience within a customer service role.
How To Apply (External)
Vacancy type: This is a permanent role.
Location: This position is based in The Quadrant, Milton Keynes (3 days per week in the office).
Hours: 35 hours per week with hybrid working and travel as required.
Salary range: £24,960 to £27,985 depending on skills and experience.
Closing date: 24 June 2025. Late applicants will not be accepted. This role is being advertised internally and externally.
You will need to complete a supporting statement addressing how you meet the essential criteria, please complete this as part of the application process and add this to your CV in one document. Applicants who do not complete this statement will not be shortlisted.
If you cannot access the guide, please contact RSResourcing@networkrail.co.uk and we will send you a copy.
Click 'Apply now' to submit your application. If you would like to speak to the Resourcing Team, please contact RSResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.
If you would like any reasonable adjustments support during your application or throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcing Team who will happily assist.
Below are some examples of adjustments we can make:
- Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done'. For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online tasks or interviews as needed.
- Changing a physical feature of our workplace. For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
- Providing extra equipment or assistance. For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available.
There are lots of other adjustments we can consider – please just ask!
The recruitment process will consist of shortlisted candidates being invited to take part in the following; Competency Based Interview. Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by phone or email.
For further information about how we recruit, please visit: https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/how-we-recruit/
Drugs and Alcohol Standard: For some of our roles all prospective external candidates offered a conditional role will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. Your application will be rescinded if you record a positive test.
At Network Rail you will have a clear development path, access to training and enjoy a range of employee benefits, such as; up to 28 days annual leave, rail travel subsidies, a range of pension options, flexible and agile working arrangements, discounts on shopping, gym memberships and much more.
Contracts Assistant employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the supply chain processes specific to the railway industry. Understanding how materials and logistics work in this sector will give you an edge during interviews and help you relate your skills to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Build relationships with current or former employees of Network Rail, especially those in Supply Chain Operations. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your application and interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used them in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed data and resolved queries effectively, as these are key aspects of the Contracts Assistant position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Network Rail's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Being able to articulate how you align with their values and how you can contribute to a diverse workplace will demonstrate your fit for the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Contracts Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: This is crucial! Address how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills and achievements relevant to the role.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your administration, analytical, and interpersonal skills in your CV and supporting statement. Mention any experience you have in supply chain processes or customer service roles, as these are desirable for this position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description for the Contracts Assistant position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and required skills, such as data analysis and relationship building, so you can demonstrate your understanding during the interview.
✨Prepare Your Supporting Statement
Since a supporting statement is crucial for your application, take time to craft it carefully. Address how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description, and be ready to discuss specific examples that showcase your skills and experience.
✨Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills
Given the importance of developing effective relationships with customers and suppliers, be prepared to discuss your interpersonal skills. Share examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles, highlighting your customer-focused approach.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
During the interview, show that you understand the commercial aspects of supply chain management. Be ready to discuss how cost-effective delivery and compliance are vital in this role, and think of examples where you've contributed to similar outcomes in past experiences.
