At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing teams and manage complex procurement activities for major infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a key player in the UK's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on continuous improvement and best practices.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on high-value procurement while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Strong public sector procurement experience and proven leadership in sourcing teams.
Rate: £600/day Umbrella - Inside IR35
Contract Length: 6 Months
Location: Hybrid Working - 60% office-based. Thursdays must be worked from Network Rail's Milton Keynes HQ, remaining office days based at Milton Keynes, London, or Birmingham offices.
About the Company
We are currently seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to join a high-performing procurement function supporting major infrastructure and business-critical procurement programmes at Network Rail.
About the Role
This is a strategic leadership role focused on governance, assurance, procurement compliance, and sourcing excellence across complex, high-value procurement activities.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage sourcing teams delivering complex procurement and tendering activities
- Oversee end-to-end tender events and ensure adherence to procurement governance frameworks
- Develop and deliver sourcing strategies for high-value procurement projects
- Provide assurance across procurement activities, ensuring documentation and processes are compliant and accurate
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders, including Heads of Function and Directors
- Support category planning and procurement strategy development
- Drive continuous improvement, governance, and best practice across procurement activities
- Mentor and develop procurement professionals within the team
Qualifications:
- Strong public sector procurement experience
- Proven leadership experience managing procurement or sourcing teams
- MCIPS qualified (or equivalent professional accreditation)
- Significant experience delivering sourcing projects within complex environments
- Strong understanding of governance, assurance, compliance, and public procurement regulations
- Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and operate in complex organisations
- Experience managing high-value procurement activity and strategic sourcing programmes
- Ability to hit the ground running in a fast-paced environment
Strategic Sourcing Manager employer: EFA Engineering Ltd
Network Rail is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency within the vital infrastructure sector. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to training workshops and opportunities to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, all while enjoying the flexibility of primarily remote work from Peterborough. Join us to make a meaningful impact on energy management and contribute to our commitment to environmental objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sourcing Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show EFA Engineering Ltd that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, EFA Engineering Ltd can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows EFA Engineering Ltd that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let EFA Engineering Ltd know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at EFA Engineering Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
