At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement categories to ensure supply and optimise costs for rail operations.
- Company: Join DB Cargo UK, a leader in rail freight logistics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and professional development support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with hybrid working opportunities and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Britain's rail freight operations and build strategic supplier partnerships.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement with strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Toton, Nottinghamshire
Salary: £50,000 per annum
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Keeping Britain's Rail Freight Moving. At DB Cargo UK, we move millions of tonnes of freight every year, supporting vital supply chains across the UK. Safe, reliable operations depend on having the right parts, materials and services available at the right time and at the right cost.
We're looking for an experienced Procurement Manager to join our Procurement team and take ownership of a portfolio of direct procurement categories that support our maintenance, engineering and operational activities. This role is ideal for a procurement professional who has experience sourcing parts, components, equipment or engineering services within a complex operational environment and who understands the critical link between procurement performance and business operations.
About the Role:
- As Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for developing and delivering category strategies that ensure security of supply, optimise cost and support operational performance across the business.
- Working closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain and Operational stakeholders, you will manage supplier relationships, lead sourcing activities and help ensure that materials and services are available to support fleet maintenance and operational delivery.
- You will play a key role in managing supply risk, improving supplier performance and identifying opportunities to drive value across your categories while maintaining high levels of service and availability.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Managing direct procurement categories that support engineering, maintenance and operational activities.
- Developing category and sourcing strategies based on spend analysis, supplier performance and market intelligence.
- Leading commercial negotiations, tender exercises and sourcing projects.
- Building and managing strategic supplier relationships to improve quality, delivery performance and overall value.
- Identifying and mitigating supply chain risks to protect operational performance and service delivery.
- Supporting inventory optimisation activities to balance stock availability, working capital and customer requirements.
- Managing supplier performance through structured reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Supporting resolution of supply issues, shortages, non-conformances, warranty claims and supplier corrective actions.
- Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external supply chain partners to improve end-to-end procurement and supply chain performance.
- Producing procurement performance information and reporting against agreed objectives and KPIs.
What We're Looking For:
Essential:
- At least three years' experience within a direct procurement, category management or strategic sourcing role.
- Experience managing suppliers within an engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, rail, transport, automotive or industrial environment.
- Demonstrable success in delivering cost reduction, value improvement and supply continuity initiatives.
- Strong commercial, negotiation and contract management skills.
- Experience influencing and working collaboratively with multiple operational stakeholders.
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
- Fully CIPS qualified or actively working towards qualification.
Desirable:
- Experience procuring engineering materials, maintenance components, technical equipment or specialist services.
- Experience working within rail, rolling stock, logistics, manufacturing or heavy industry.
- Knowledge of inventory management and MRP-driven supply environments.
- Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Management qualification.
What Matters to Me:
At DB Cargo UK, we recognise that our people are key to our success. That's why we offer a range of benefits designed to support your career, wellbeing and future.
- Competitive salary and annual bonus.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Employee benefits and discount platform.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Professional development support including CIPS.
- Hybrid working opportunities where appropriate.
- A collaborative and inclusive working environment.
- The opportunity to play a key role in supporting Britain's leading rail freight operator.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of strategically important direct procurement categories that support the maintenance, reliability and performance of our rail freight operations. You'll have the autonomy to influence category strategies, build meaningful supplier partnerships and work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain and Operational teams to deliver commercial value and operational resilience.
The role offers exposure to a broad range of stakeholders across the business and the chance to make a tangible impact on the performance of one of the UK's leading rail freight operators.
If you're an experienced procurement professional with a strong commercial mindset, a passion for supplier management and a track record of delivering results in a technical or operational environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Please click APPLY to send your CV for this role.
Procurement Manager in Long Eaton employer: DB Cargo Uk
DB Cargo UK is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for the People Advisor role in Doncaster. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, hybrid working options, and a generous benefits package including a competitive salary, car allowance, and professional development opportunities, we empower our team to thrive. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a culture that values collaboration and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Long Eaton
✨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 DB Cargo Uk.
✨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 in Long Eaton
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 DB Cargo Uk:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to DB Cargo Uk. 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 DB Cargo Uk.
How to prepare for a job interview at DB Cargo Uk
✨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 DB Cargo Uk!
✨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 DB Cargo Uk. 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 DB Cargo Uk's culture.
