At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transition of train operators into public ownership and manage procurement processes.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s rail owning group, transforming the UK's railways.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and networking opportunities.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until 2027 with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of UK railways while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience in the public sector and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 52800 - 52800 £ per year.
About DFT Operator
DFTO is the government’s public sector rail owning group. Its purpose is to bring all currently privately‑owned train operators into public ownership in advance of the creation of Great British Railways in 2027 - and deliver improvements in the here and now by unifying and integrating train operations under common public ownership. DFTO has over 30,000 employees, runs over 8,500 services a day and delivers over 640 million customer journeys across its networks every year. Major improvements are being delivered by DFTO train operators (TOCs) that are already under public ownership – these are LNER, Northern, TransPennine Express (TPE), Southern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains.
Primary Purpose of Job
This role will play a pivotal part for incoming TOCs to the DFTO Group. There are two arms to the role, the first focuses on mobilisation and the other on post‑transfer, both working alongside the Incoming TOCs, managing across all stages of the procurement process. Although this is a transition role, the role will report into the Head of Procurement & Contracts. The role supports the Director of Business Planning/Integration and Group Procurement Director, including ad‑hoc tasks. It underpins both DFTO’s and the Procurement Directorate’s Business Plan.
In addition to TOCs, the role may be required to work with DfT, RNP, external stakeholders such as Network Rail, Crown Commercial Services and other Government bodies.
Procurement & Contracts Mobilisation
Tasks for the procurement & contract transfer workstream focusing on working with the DfT POTP, DFTO Property (Finance) workstream and supporting the incoming TOC will need. Ensuring the transfer is efficient, with critical tasks in place (or mitigated) for Day 1 of transfer and to establish Group Sourcing Mechanisms.
Post Transfer
This role will be part of the Parachute Team that will support incoming TOCs post‑transfer date from tendering through the handing over of contracts to the Incoming TOC’s contract and supplier management team.
Key Competencies
- Making Effective Decisions: Understand own level of responsibility and empower others to make decisions where appropriate. Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from internal and external sources to support decisions.
- Working Together: Encourage joined up teamwork within own team and across other groups. Establish professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.
- Seeing the Big Picture: Understand the strategic drivers for your area of work. Align activities to contribute to wider organisational priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the transition of TOCs into the public sector; this will involve analysing pipelines, existing contracts, and supporting TOC Procurement Departments to prepare for transition as per DFTO Transition Policy.
- Provision of support to procurement competitions which are already underway either within DFTO TOCs or within private sector TOCs that transition into DFTO while procurements are in flight.
- Undertake procurement activities within TOCs post Day 1 transition as well as completion of procurement activities that are already underway.
- Analyse a wide range of information, data, and market research in order to inform commercial options and decisions.
- Manage procurement under a category style approach and challenge suppliers for additional opportunities and initiatives.
- Support the implementation of the DFTO procurement & commercial strategy.
- Work in collaboration with other Procurement Managers across TOCs to deliver better value for money across the estate.
- Identify and develop commercial opportunities to secure additional, non‑passenger related revenue across the DFTO and TOC supply chain.
- Prepare and issue guidance on how to undertake procurement activities, including providing relevant training as may be required.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications
The post holder must have a proven track‑record of success as a procurement manager in a public sector procurement environment. Extensive experience is specifically required in:
- At least five years successful track record in procurement.
- Expertise in the creation and running of competitive tenders and detailed contract negotiation.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 & Procurement Regulations 2024.
Vacancy Details
Duration: Fixed Term until 31st October 2027 contract/secondment
Location: London Waterloo
Salary: up to £52,800
Closing date: 24th April 2026
DFTO Benefits
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 years up to a maximum of 5 additional (30 days).
- DC Pension Scheme: 10% Employer contribution, 5% Employee contribution.
- Opportunities to learn and network across the wider industry.
Finance Transition Manager (Procurement) employer: DfT Operator
DFTO is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where over 30,000 employees contribute to the future of public rail services in the UK. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and collaboration, DFTO provides generous benefits including up to 30 days of annual leave and a robust pension scheme. Located at London Waterloo, employees have the unique opportunity to be part of a transformative journey towards Great British Railways, making a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of passengers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Transition Manager (Procurement)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Finance Transition Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching DFTO and its mission. Understand their goals and how your skills can help them achieve those. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience in procurement and how it aligns with the transition process at DFTO. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Transition Manager (Procurement)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement and transition management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while still showing off your personality.
Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills:Since this role involves making effective decisions, share examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in past roles. We love to see candidates who can analyse situations and make informed choices!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of procurement processes, especially in a public sector context. Brush up on relevant legislation like the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 & Procurement Regulations 2024. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully managed procurement activities or led competitive tenders. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, making it easy for the interviewers to see your impact.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss how you've built and maintained professional relationships in previous positions. Highlight your interpersonal skills and give examples of how collaboration has led to successful outcomes.
✨Think Big Picture
Demonstrate your understanding of how procurement fits into the broader goals of the organisation. Be prepared to discuss how your work can contribute to DFTO’s mission of improving rail services and ensuring value for money for taxpayers.
