At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and analyse market data to drive strategic decisions.
- Company: Join DFTO, the public sector rail owning group transforming train operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for learning and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public transport while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Strong analytical skills and experience in procurement or contract management preferred.
The predicted salary is between 36500 - 36500 £ 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), Southeastern, South Western Railway (SWR), c2c, Greater Anglia and WM Trains. We work closely with the DfT but operate independently with our own governance and leadership teams. Our priority is ensuring efficient, dependable rail services for everyone.
Primary Purpose of Job: This role consists of supporting all stages of the procurement process from the analysis of procurement and market data, supporting the team with sourcing activity from the handing over of contracts to contract and supplier management within DfT Operator Limited (DFTO). The role supports Procurement Managers, procurement team; and works with Train Operators (TOC) Procurement Departments and Supplier Management staff across DFTO and TOCs to support transition into the public sector and to establish Group Sourcing Mechanisms. This role 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- To provide analysis on procurement information, data, and market research to inform commercial options and procurement strategies.
- To lead on an ad hoc basis low-medium value procurement activities including reviewing/negotiating terms and conditions, ensuring compliance to procurement regulations, internal governance processes delivering value for money.
- Provide data to the Procurement team to enable informed decisions across Contract Management, Sourcing and Category Management.
- Analyse financial, operational, and market data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Translate data into actionable commercial insights to support strategic decision-making.
- Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and KPIs to track business and category performance.
- Present insights to senior stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
- Assist in financial forecasting, planning, and budgeting processes.
- Monitor actual performance against budgets and forecasts, providing variance analysis.
- Recommend pricing strategies or cost-saving initiatives based on findings.
- Analyse contract performance, and cost-saving opportunities.
- Support sourcing strategies with market intelligence and financial modelling.
- Build and assess business cases for new projects, investments, or commercial initiatives.
- Conduct scenario and sensitivity analysis to evaluate potential outcomes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as Finance, Sales, Procurement, and Operations.
- Act as a commercial partner to the business, supporting non-financial stakeholders with data-led decisions.
- Research market conditions, customer trends, and competitor activities to inform commercial strategies.
- Identify inefficiencies in reporting or data processes and suggest improvements.
- Support implementation of tools and systems that improve data accuracy and insight delivery.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:
- Experience (desirable) of working in a direct procurement, commercial or contract management environment.
- Strong analytical, numeracy, communication, problem solving skills and an eye for detail.
- Experience in report writing.
- Good IT skills including use of Microsoft suite (Excel, Word & PowerPoint).
- Ability to communicate/facilitate effectively with all levels of staff within the business and with external suppliers.
- Knowledge of relevant public procurement legislation including the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 & Procurement Act 2023.
- Experience of working with a Procure to Pay (P2P) system (desirable).
Vacancy Details:
- Duration: Fixed Term contract/secondment up to 31st October 2027.
- Location: London, Manchester, York and Hybrid.
- Salary: up to £36,500.
- Closing date: 16th July 2026.
DFTO Benefits:
- Annual Leave: Starting at 25 days and rising to an additional day per year of service completed within the first 5 completed 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.
Additional Information:
Disclaimer: Candidates applying for this position on a secondment basis must inform their line manager prior to submitting their application. This is to ensure transparency and facilitate any necessary discussions regarding workload and responsibilities.
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.
Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact Dean.palmer@dftoperator.co.uk. Please do not email any CVs to us, your application must be made by clicking the 'Apply' button.
Commercial Analyst in London employer: DfT Operator
DFT Operator is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where over 30,000 employees contribute to the transformation of the UK's rail services. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and flexible working options, DFTO fosters a culture of inclusivity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful careers in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Analyst in London
✨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 DfT Operator.
✨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 Commercial Analyst in London
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 DfT Operator:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to DfT Operator. 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 DfT Operator.
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨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 DfT Operator!
✨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 DfT Operator. 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 DfT Operator's culture.
