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- Tasks: Lead procurement processes and support the transition of train operators into public ownership.
- Company: Join DFTO, the government’s public sector rail owning group with over 30,000 employees.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support your work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the rail industry while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Five years of procurement experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
About DFTO
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.
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 is focus on mobilisation and the other 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.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the transition of TOCs into the public sector, 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 which transition into DFTO.
- Undertake procurement activities within TOCs post day 1 transition as well as completion of procurement activities that are already underway.
- Manage procurement under a category style approach and challenge suppliers for additional opportunities and initiatives.
- 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.
Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Technical Qualifications:
- Proven track-record of success as a procurement manager in a public sector procurement environment.
- 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.
- Preferable but not essential - CIPS Qualified or studying towards Professional Procurement qualification.
Vacancy Details:
- Duration: Fixed Term until 31st October 2027 contract/secondment
- Location: London Waterloo
- Salary: up to £60,000
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
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone!
Finance Manager in London employer: DfT Operator
Contact Detail:
DfT Operator Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager in London
✨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 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 the company culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you get comfortable with common questions and refine your answers. Plus, it’s a great way to boost your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the position. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the DFTO team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the Finance Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in procurement. Quantify your achievements where possible, as this helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your ideas flow logically. This will make it easier for us to see your potential.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website. It ensures your application gets to the right place and helps us track your submission efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at DfT Operator
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into DFTO's mission and recent developments in the rail sector. Understanding the transition of TOCs into public ownership will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've made tough decisions in procurement. Highlight how you analysed information and involved others in the process, as this aligns with the key competencies they're looking for.
✨Build Relationships
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate by sharing experiences where you've successfully worked with diverse teams or stakeholders. This will resonate well with their emphasis on teamwork and relationship-building.
✨Think Big Picture
During the interview, connect your past experiences to the broader goals of DFTO. Show that you understand how your role as a Finance Manager can contribute to the strategic drivers of the organisation and improve rail services for everyone.