At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing contracts and supplier relationships while analysing data for reporting.
- Company: Join Network Rail, a leader in revitalising Britain's railway.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of ambitious projects that shape the future of transport in the UK.
- Qualifications: Strong admin skills, attention to detail, and experience in contracts or procurement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Contracts Assistant for an initial 3 month contract based hybrid in Milton Keynes. Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From Crossrail – Europe’s largest civil engineering project – to investment in world‑class stations and major programmes of electrification, we are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen.
As a Contracts Assistant, your main responsibilities will be:
- Assisting in the measurement and evaluation of the commercial value of payments, ensuring works are correctly certified prior to authorisation in line with contractual obligations
- Supporting the reporting of all commercial aspects across allocated projects
- Contributing to the preparation of contract specifications and pre‑tender documentation
- Assisting with procurement and commercial management activities across a range of contract categories
- Supporting the Strategic Supplier Management team with day‑to‑day activities and coordination
- Assisting in managing supplier relationships, including supporting performance monitoring and engagement activities
- Collecting, managing, and analysing data from various systems to support reporting requirements
- Developing dashboards and reports (e.g. Power BI) to track KPIs and supplier performance
- Preparing presentations and materials for senior leadership (SLT), translating data into clear insights
- Ensuring accurate data entry, documentation, and maintenance of contract and supplier records
- Working flexibly across contract management and project support activities, providing assistance where required
- Supporting adherence to governance, processes, and compliance requirements
Proven ability to work to tight deadlines and follow mandated processes with a high level of accuracy. Strong administration and analytical skills with attention to detail. Excellent interpersonal and relationship‑building skills. Good commercial awareness with an understanding of contract management principles. Customer‑focused approach with a commitment to delivering high‑quality service. Microsoft Office applications (particularly PowerPoint). Experience with Copilot (AI), Power BI, and Oracle or similar systems. Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, both internally and externally. Strong problem‑solving skills with a proactive approach. Previous experience in a contracts, procurement, or supplier management role. Familiarity with Strategic Supplier Management frameworks and best practices. Experience working in a regulated or process‑driven environment. Knowledge of contract lifecycle management systems. Ability to analyse data and present findings clearly to stakeholders. Experience supporting supplier performance management or governance activities.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas. Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.
Disability Confident: As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply.
In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance. Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex‑military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group.
In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.
Contracts Assistant in Milton Keynes employer: Great British Energy Group
Network Rail is committed to being one of Britain's best employers, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. As a Contracts Assistant in Milton Keynes, you will benefit from a supportive environment that encourages growth through diverse projects and opportunities for skill enhancement, all while contributing to the revitalisation of the nation's railway system. With a focus on inclusivity and equal opportunity, Network Rail values diversity and actively supports employees from all backgrounds.
Contact Details:
Great British Energy Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Assistant in Milton Keynes
✨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 Contracts Assistant in Milton Keynes
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 Great British Energy Group 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, Great British Energy Group 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 Great British Energy Group 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 Great British Energy Group 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 Great British Energy Group
✨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.
