At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier contracts and drive improvements in performance and delivery.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a vital part of the UK's transport infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and discounts on travel.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your ideas and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of railways while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55596 - 67813 £ per year.
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Location: The Quadrant:MK, Milton Keynes, South East England
Salary: £55,596 - £67,813
Closing date: 24 Aug 2026
Sector: Supply Chain and Procurement
Role: Manager
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Who We Are
At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you are not just part of a team - you are part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we will do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.
Some of our great benefits:
- Generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered
- Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependant), with the option to buy/sell days
- Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs)
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car-park season tickets
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact
- Plus more...
Duration: Permanent
Location: This role is based in The Quadrant, Milton Keynes. This role is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant, you must live within 90 minutes.
Band & Salary: Band 3C £55,596 - £67,813 depending on skills and experience.
About the role
This pivotal role is in our Technology & Telecoms Supplier (T&T) Management team, that sits within the Route Services Commercial and Procurement function, dealing with post contract and commercial management for the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Services function. You will be working in a dynamic team managing a complex landscape of contracts and variations to secure value for money from a multi-million spend, collaborating with key stakeholders and technology suppliers to drive improvements in performance, innovations in delivery and ensure availability of critical networks. The role works closely with IT Supplier Managers to share best practice, optimise processes and drive continuous improvements.
To succeed in this role, you will need to be dynamic and comfortable working in a fast paced, agile manner and dealing with contractual and operational challenges; experienced with cross-functional collaboration and have strong stakeholder management, analytical and problem-solving skills.
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for an experienced Supplier Manager with a strong background in post contract commercial management, ideally within the rail, infrastructure, or construction sectors. You'll bring proven experience in leading commercial strategy, managing high-value contracts, and ensuring robust financial governance across complex projects. The ideal candidate will be confident working within a regulated environment, skilled in stakeholder management, and committed to driving value for money across the supply chain. This is a key role where strategic thinking and attention to detail are essential.
What does the average day look like?
A typical day would be a mix of contract governance, stakeholder engagement, supplier relationship management, commercial negotiations, and continuous improvement activities. Key activities may include:
- Facilitate and manage contractual changes throughout the contract lifecycle
- Manage commercial correspondence and contractual notices issued in accordance with contractual conditions to confirm whether Network Rail's contractual position is clearly defined.
- Identify emerging problems, report contractual claims and support in the management and resolution of legal and/or commercial disputes in conjunction with Functional management as appropriate.
- Establish appropriate compliance controls and audit regimes to achieve adherence to Network Rail's relevant procedures, Group and company standards.
- Delivering efficiencies and support with pre and post contract procurement activities as appropriate acting as role model for commercial staff, providing coaching and development as appropriate.
About the team
You'll be joining a supportive and collaborative Commercial & Procurement team that plays a key role in keeping Britain's railways running efficiently and safely. We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the business to deliver value for money, ensure compliance, and support strategic objectives. It's a fast-paced and dynamic environment where your ideas are valued, and professional development is encouraged.
Your experience and skills
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
- Experience in working in a commercial environment
- Procurement experience, to include Supplier Management
- Experience of contract law and financial management
- Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
- Demonstrable experience of driving value from complex supplier contracts and relationships
- Experienced with agile cross-functional collaborative working methods
- Politically savvy, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies at an executive level
- Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience of complex supplier specific challenges
Additional Information
Contact: If you have any questions or reasonable adjustments, please contact RSResourcing@networkrail.co.uk
Closing date: Monday 24th August 2026. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 1st September 2026, depending on business requirements. Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Supplier Manager in Milton Keynes employer: ENGINEERINGUK
ENGINEERINGUK is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative work culture, allowing you to thrive as a Hybrid Brand Executive while contributing to a meaningful charity brand. With generous employee benefits such as 28 days of holiday, enhanced parental leave, and a robust pension scheme, you'll find ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in this dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Supplier Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at ENGINEERINGUK, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of Supplier Manager.
We think you need these skills to ace Supplier Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at ENGINEERINGUK. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research ENGINEERINGUK and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at ENGINEERINGUK
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at ENGINEERINGUK.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by ENGINEERINGUK
Look into any unique supply chain challenges ENGINEERINGUK might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
