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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value sourcing projects and negotiate contracts to deliver value.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, discounts, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the railway while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in sourcing, negotiation skills, and a passion for innovation.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 58000 ÂŁ per year.
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we’re dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you’re not just part of a team – you’re part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.
We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work‑life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we’ll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Vacancy Details
- Duration: Permanent (2 x positions available)
- Location: This role is based in The Quadrant MK with potential to be based in Birmingham New Street or Manchester Square One. This role is a full‑time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes.
- Band & Salary: Band 3C ÂŁ55,596 - ÂŁ65,966
Brief Description
We are looking for a commercially astute and driven Sourcing Manager to join our Procurement team at Network Rail. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, with a proven ability to deliver value and ensure compliance across complex procurement projects. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with a good understanding of public sector procurement regulations.
About the role
Are you a sourcing superstar? If so, we want you! We are looking for dynamic procurement professionals to join our team, leading high value and complex sourcing projects. If you love to engage with your customers, thrive on using your own initiative, have great people skills and are passionate about making a difference, please read on.
We are committed to working with our customers and the supply chain to procure and manage great commercial solutions that deliver value for passengers. Our team leads exciting infrastructure related sourcing projects including building and civils, structural design and engineering projects, professional consultancy, lifts & escalators, property, decarbonisation, property development schemes, personal protective equipment, ecological services, drones, helicopters, waste management, security services and specialist rail plant.
You’ll work closely with your customers and our business experts to undertake pre‑market engagement with the supply chain, draft sourcing strategies and tender documentation. You’ll be the expert leading the sourcing project, undertake complex commercial evaluations, including using your professional knowledge to lead negotiations with suppliers. You will have excellent communications skills, both written and verbal, be proactive, have in depth experience of the end‑to‑end procurement process, be happy to challenge and be challenged and be prepared to go above and beyond to support our customers.
Understanding your customer’s needs will put you in the best place to identify the optimum strategic direction and put in place contracting strategies that embrace change, innovation and creative thinking.
What does the average day look like?
As a Sourcing Manager at Network Rail, no two days are the same. You’ll lead complex, high‑value sourcing projects – particularly across indirect procurement – from shaping business requirements through to contract signature, ensuring we deliver meaningful commercial outcomes. Working closely with stakeholders across functions and regions, you’ll implement category strategies, negotiate contracts, and drive innovation to solve business challenges through the supply market. You’ll also manage risk and governance in a regulated environment, support the smooth handover to supplier management teams, and contribute to continuous improvement across the sourcing function.
Essential Criteria
- Deep level of Sourcing experience, with a demonstrable track record of savings delivery
- Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
- Demonstrable experience of contract law and financial management
- Demonstrable experience of driving value from complex sourcing opportunities
- Experienced with agile cross‑functional collaborative working methods
- Politically savvy, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies
- Demonstrable level of problem‑solving experience of complex sourcing specific challenges
- Completer finisher mindset
Desirable Criteria
- Has an understanding of public sector procurement legislation.
- Experience in delivering multi‑million pound procurement projects (over £10m).
- Line management experience.
- Is a member of the chartered institute of Purchasing & Supply.
How to apply
Closing date 28th January. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Next Steps
Interviews will be held W/C 2nd February depending on business requirements. Please note: the interview process will consist of 3 elements, should you be successful, including: A) Competency test and B) formal interview (2A and 2B stages will take place on the same day).
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.
Some of our great benefits
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
Procurement Manager - C&P in Milton Keynes employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - C&P in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals! Attend procurement events or webinars to meet people in the field. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Network Rail and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your skills align with their mission of keeping passengers safe and connected.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Sourcing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can easily track your application status and stay updated on any new opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager - C&P in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects that showcase your skills!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is key for this role, use clear and concise language in your application. Give examples of how you've effectively engaged with stakeholders or led negotiations in the past.
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities: We want to see how you tackle complex challenges! Include specific instances where you've successfully navigated procurement hurdles or delivered significant savings through innovative solutions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Network Rail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of strategic sourcing and supplier management. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved complex procurement processes. This will show that you understand the ins and outs of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or resolved disputes in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate the complexities of procurement effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about challenges you've encountered in previous roles and how you overcame them. This will help you showcase your problem-solving skills and your ability to drive value from complex sourcing opportunities.
✨Understand Network Rail's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Network Rail's mission and values, particularly their focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with these goals and how you can contribute to making a real difference in the railway sector.
