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- Tasks: Lead procurement projects, manage tenders, and develop supplier relationships.
- Company: Join GWR, a forward-thinking company committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy free rail travel, discounted shopping, health care plans, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values your input and fosters growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong communication skills, and proficiency in MS Office required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we celebrate diversity and support all applicants.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Salary up to £53,000 dependent on skills and experience, plus excellent benefits package.
Location: Swindon
As one of the largest train companies in Britain, more than 100 million customers a year join us on board. When the Great Western Railway was built, it opened the West and Wales to trade and tourism. And now, along with our partners at Network Rail, we\’re proud to have the chance to look after your railway.
As well as electrifying our main routes, and upgrading key stations, we have carried out the biggest upgrade of trains in the country. The Procurement team have an essential role to play in the success of GWR through our strategic sourcing and our approach to supplier management.
Our Team Vision: Be a trusted partner, that enables the business to achieve value for money every time.
At GWR, we understand the importance of investing in our employees\’ professional growth. As a Procurement Manager, you\’ll have access to a structured career progression path within GWR. Whether you\’re looking to enhance your skills, take on greater responsibilities, or pursue leadership positions, we\’re committed to supporting your career development every step of the way.
Alongside this, you will also receive:
- Defined benefit pension scheme with the Railways Pension Scheme
- Free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family
- Discounted travel with other Train Operating Companies
- Company-sponsored health care plan
- Discounted shopping and gym membership
- Employee assistance programme and much more
About the job
As a Procurement Manager, you will lead a diverse portfolio of procurement projects across multiple spend categories, including professional services, stationery, catering, cleaning, facilities services and fuel. You will play a key role in supporting the procurement function throughout the organisation\’s transition to Public Ownership.
To succeed in this position, you will be an enthusiastic, self‑motivated individual with good interpersonal skills who can work both independently and within a wider multi‑functional stakeholder team.
As the successful candidate, you must have experience in the following areas
- PA23, Utilities or Public Contracts Regulations
- Contract negotiation
- Contract management
- E‑procurement knowledge
Your main responsibilities will include
- Leading sourcing strategies and competitive, PA23‑compliant tenders to deliver value for money
- Building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Identifying opportunities to consolidate suppliers and rationalise contracts
- Supporting transition activities and complex regulated procurements
- Driving value through supplier relationship management and commercial negotiations
About You
Experience & skills required
- End‑to‑end tender management experience, including drafting, issuing and evaluation, in a PA23‑compliant public sector environment
- Proven post‑award contract and supplier relationship management experience
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build effective internal and external stakeholder relationships
- Highly organised with excellent time‑management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
- Proactive in driving procurement projects and providing clear stakeholder updates
- Strong analytical and data management skills, with proficiency in MS Excel and Word
As a minimum, you\’ll need
- MCIPS qualified or working towards
- Previous experience in a procurement role within the public sector
- A basic understanding of contract law
About the location
Base location is Milford House, Swindon. Part Time hours over 30 hours a week would be considered. Please state in your application if this is required.
Application
Please apply online via our website https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/brand-gwr
If you have any problems applying, please email gwrrecruitment@gwr.com
We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.
We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability. We maintain zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers and future talent.
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/
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Procurement Manager employer: FirstGroup
Contact Detail:
FirstGroup Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Pro Act 23 regulations, as this role involves leading tender exercises in a regulated environment. Understanding these regulations will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those with experience in public sector procurement. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals that could enhance your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed stakeholder relationships in previous roles. Being able to articulate these experiences will highlight your ability to work within a multi-functional team.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your MS Excel skills, particularly in data analysis and management. Being proficient in Excel is crucial for this role, and demonstrating your capability in this area can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, particularly in property and maintenance. Emphasise your skills in managing supplier relationships and any experience with regulated procurement environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead tender exercises and develop sourcing strategies.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your organisational and analytical skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple projects and communicated effectively with stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to procurement or contract law, be sure to mention them. This can set you apart from other candidates and show your commitment to the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at FirstGroup
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on your understanding of procurement processes, especially in a regulated environment like Pro Act 23. Be ready to discuss your previous experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to build and maintain relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Highlight any successful collaborations or negotiations you've led in the past.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
Be prepared to discuss how you approach data analysis and contract management. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have contributed to successful procurement outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Exhibit Enthusiasm and Self-Motivation
Convey your passion for procurement and your proactive approach to driving projects. Share instances where you've taken the initiative to improve processes or outcomes, showcasing your self-motivated nature.