At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for a groundbreaking railway project, ensuring compliance and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join East West Railway Company, transforming transport between Oxford and Cambridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse team making a real impact on communities and transport choices.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, especially in construction, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that – improving prosperity for people and places along the way.
East West Railway Company (that’s us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way. At East West Railway Company, we’re committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple – to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.
Role Summary: This role will be responsible for leading and managing the procurement of contracts to support the delivery of the Programme. This role involves developing procurement strategies, overseeing high-value and complex procurement activities, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational standards, while coordinating closely with the commercial strategy and contract management teams. This role would be well‑suited to an experienced senior procurement leader with a track record of managing complex procurement in a fast paced construction environment and influencing at executive and stakeholder levels. A strong understanding of NEC forms of contract is essential for this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Responsible for managing the procurement of contracts to support the delivery of the programme; this role involves coordinating procurement activities, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational standards, while working closely with the commercial strategy and contract management teams.
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for large-scale and complex works contracts.
- Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers and assess market conditions.
- Work with the Supply Chain team to undertake market engagement and test alignment to wider HMG and construction policy.
- Lead and manage the end-to-end procurement process, from tendering to contract award including the preparation and issue of tender documents, evaluation of proposals, and management of the selection process to support overall business objectives.
- Support the development of the procurement team – Line management of an Assistant Procurement Manager, supporting the setting of annual targets and conducting quarterly and annual performance reviews.
- Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and internal policies throughout the procurement process including issue of relevant public notices and reporting to Cabinet Office and DfT.
- Collaborate with the contract management team to ensure smooth transition post-contract award, continuing to support Contract Management through any stage 1 contracts or early contractor involvement.
- Monitor and report on procurement performance, identifying and addressing any issues.
- Work closely with the Commercial Strategy and Assurance team to align procurement activities with overall business objectives and governance processes.
- Take responsibility of your own and others’ health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles.
- Demonstrate a cost‑conscious mindset, keeping tax payers’ money at the forefront of decisions.
- Show a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
- Act as a role model for EWR Co’s vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co’s Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.
This job description provides an outline of the key responsibilities of the role; however, this is not exhaustive, and duties may reasonably change as the business evolves.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
- Experience in procurement, specifically in infrastructure or construction projects.
- Strong understanding of procurement processes and regulations i.e. Public Contract Regulations.
- Strong understanding of NEC forms of contract and pricing options.
- Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Experience of e‑Sourcing tools (Jaggaer an advantage).
Education and qualifications:
- Relevant degree desirable, such as surveying, engineering, law, finance or MBA.
- Member of a relevant professional body e.g. CIPS.
Competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience. Up to 12% employer pension contribution to support your future. 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) plus the option to buy up to 2 extra days. 2 volunteering days, a chance for you to give back to the community. Enhanced family‑friendly policies to support you and your loved ones. Life assurance (4x your annual salary) for peace of mind. Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support when you need it. Access to Perkbox for a wide range of discounts and wellbeing benefits. Recognition programme, including on‑the‑spot and annual awards. Advanced learning and development opportunities to help you grow.
EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual’s work life balance and style.
Diversity and Inclusion: To discover the best solutions, it’s important we embrace diversity of thought. That’s why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple – a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve.
About East West Rail: East West Railway Company is a new and exciting venture at the forefront of the changing landscape of the rail industry, delivering substantial fast‑paced improvement to modernise the railway.
Procurement Manager employer: East West Railway Company
East West Railway Company is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and sustainability in the transport sector. Located in Milton Keynes, we foster a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow through professional development opportunities and contribute to meaningful projects that shape the future of railways in the UK. Join us to be part of a team that values inclusivity and technical excellence while making a positive impact on the environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching East West Rail and understanding their values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of building an inclusive railway and improving transport choices.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage supplier relationships effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the East West Railway team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex procurement processes and your understanding of NEC forms of contract. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at East West Rail!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your procurement expertise. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships or led procurement strategies in the past. This helps us see the impact you've made!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position and our company culture there!
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Railway Company
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes, especially in the context of infrastructure and construction. Familiarise yourself with NEC forms of contract and pricing options, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the right fit for the job.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Procurement Manager, you'll be leading a team and managing supplier relationships. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your experience in setting targets and conducting performance reviews, as this will demonstrate your capability to develop and support your team.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Market Analysis
The role involves conducting market analysis to identify potential suppliers. Come prepared with insights about current market conditions and trends in the construction industry. This will not only show your analytical skills but also your proactive approach to procurement strategies.
✨Align with Their Values
East West Railway Company values diversity and inclusion, so make sure you express your commitment to these principles during the interview. Share any experiences where you've fostered an inclusive environment or worked with diverse teams. This will resonate well with their company culture and mission.
