At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and ensure value for money in contracts.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Chiltern, focused on efficient operations.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Travel across the Chiltern network and potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising procurement strategies and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and stakeholder management.
Role: Procurement Manager - Commercial
Location: Marylebone Station, London - this role can also be based out of other locations on the Chiltern network (Aylesbury / Banbury)
- Contract
- Type: Permanent
Role Purpose The key purpose of the Procurement Manager role is to strengthen the Procurement team in to ensure that everything we do is underpinned by our ethos to behave as a good and efficient operator through all of our procurement activities, ensuring value for money and robust and fit for purpose contracts.
Reporting into the Senior Procurmement Manager, the Procurement Manager will play a crucial part in delivering the Procurement Strategy in ensuring that the key controls and governance set out in the Procurement Policy are adhered to.
This will include coordinating all procurement activity from sourcing the market, through to formalising the procurement approach, carrying out the procurement activity, through to contract award and ongoing supplier management.
The Procurement Manager will specialise in Revenue, Marketing & Customer Service contracts within the Commercial Category, enabling the business to operate successfully.
This is a hybrid role based on a 60/40 split, averaging three days a week in the office to collaborate with the team with Wednesday being a core Team Day.
As Procurement Manager, it is expected that you will also maintain the flexibility to adapt your schedule as key business projects arise.
- Key Accountabilities
- Implements procurement procedures in keeping with the Chiltern procurement policy and ensures adherence by business units.
Ensures continuous improvement in procurement processes and procedures.
- Deliver end to end Procurement support on various projects.
- Supports development of appropriate procurement strategies that support value for money objectives e. g. supplier consolidation.
- Develops and maintains a plan of all procurement activity to meet business needs and advises on resource needs and options.
- Co-ordinates production of invitation to tender documents, instructions, evaluation scorecards and reports.
- Understands and executes the Chiltern procurement e2e process including strategic sourcing
- Has a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the category and its supply market.
- Provides a coaching role in category strategy development, passing on valuable knowledge within the Procurement team.
- Delivers value to the business through the application of strategic sourcing activity
- Understands and influences the category supply chain
- Brings new sourcing options to the table
- Understands how technology development can influence or create game changing scenarios
- Maintains a working knowledge of innovation/business trends within the market sector (Company consolidation, technology, innovations etc)
- Partners with key stakeholders across the business to understand key requirements/Customer profiles for their business units seeking products to best match these criteria.
- Facilitates development of Chiltern’s relationship with existing and potential suppliers through strategic supplier relationship management.
- Works closely with legal and procurement teams to ensure adherence to contracted terms and conditions to maintain a high level of commerciality and relationship with key suppliers.
- Proactively engage key suppliers to help strengthen and improve their performance and provide transparency to help alleviate current or future service issues including ensuring non-conformances are managed and addressed in a timely manner.
- Sound understanding and execution of negotiation strategy.
Successfully negotiates high value, high risk contracts with suppliers that protect the business by providing relevant risk management, financial and non-financial benefits
- Actively assist in process improvement and development by understanding the Chiltern strategy and working closely with the business to ensure a seamless supply chain.
- Identify and drive forward opportunities to develop and deliver cost-savings, business and value-added opportunities within Chiltern.
- Ensuring suppliers continue to deliver best value by actively benchmarking against identified and approved comparators; and negotiating any contract changes.
- Prepare and deliver senior level presentations/reports to support any procurement strategy, price changes and products
- Understand and use internal demand profiling, supply base benchmarking and external data analysis to carry out pricing strategies and prepare relevant supplier strategies against market trends.
- Understand the key market levers and know how/when to use them. You are aware of key markets e. g. economic factors, environmental etc
- Identify and integrate key trends and insights into supply strategy and negotiations
- Be an effective user of Purchase-To-Pay systems and how this process should be used by Requisitioners, Approvers, Suppliers and Accounts Payable.
- Maintain and develop good knowledge of relevant supply markets and key players.
Any other duties required by the Head of Procurement and Senior Procurment Manager that are appropriate to the post.
Person Specification
- Skilled in compiling robust tender and commercial documents; - Demonstrable experience in running tenders and leading complex procurement activities; - Demonstrable experience in leading commercial negotiations. - Familiar with the Procurement Act 2023 guidelines - Experience in procuring direct and indirect goods and services particularly within an Operations, Health Safety, Security, and Environment. - Good appreciation of supply market for technical services; - Good stakeholder relationship skills; - Spend analysis skills, advanced excel required; - Preferably Membership of CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply - or actively working towards or willing to work towards)
Travel will be required across the Chiltern network and additionally may be required elsewhere within the UK
Procurement Manager employer: Chiltern Railways
Chiltern Railways is an exceptional employer located in Bletchley, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and teamwork thrive. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, fostering personal and professional growth while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance customer experiences. With a strong commitment to employee well-being and a culture that values collaboration, Chiltern Railways stands out as a rewarding place to build a career in the rail industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Chiltern Railways.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Chiltern Railways:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Chiltern Railways. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Chiltern Railways.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chiltern Railways
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Chiltern Railways!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Chiltern Railways. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Chiltern Railways's culture.
