Sourcing Manager in Milton Keynes

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for 2 x Sourcing Managers for a 6 month contract based hybrid (2 days a week) 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. We at Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain's best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!

Role: You will lead end-to-end procurement activities from requirement definition through to contract award, managing multi-million-pound procurement exercises that support critical rail infrastructure and operational services.

As a Sourcing Manager, your main responsibilities will be to:

• Lead end-to-end procurement and sourcing activities from specification receipt through to contract award.
• Develop commercial and procurement strategies for complex, high-value sourcing projects.
• Manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously across a range of direct and indirect spend categories.
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders to understand business requirements and define sourcing approaches.
• Produce high-quality procurement and strategy documentation aligned to organisational objectives.
• Develop and manage tender documentation, evaluation criteria and sourcing plans.
• Lead supplier engagement, tender evaluation and contract negotiations.
• Conduct detailed commercial and risk analysis, identifying and mitigating procurement risks.
• Deliver measurable cost savings, value generation and commercial benefits.
• Ensure procurement activity is conducted in accordance with relevant procurement regulations and governance requirements.
• Support innovation, continuous improvement and best practice across procurement activities.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

Essential:

• Significant experience delivering end-to-end procurement processes, from initial specification through to contract award.
• Proven track record of managing complex sourcing exercises and multi-supplier procurement projects.
• Experience developing and writing robust procurement, sourcing and category strategy papers to a high standard.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making.
• Experience operating within public sector procurement environments, including the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).

Desirable:

• Experience working within infrastructure, property, construction, engineering, facilities, professional services or related categories.
• Experience using e-procurement systems such as Bravo.

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.

Armed Forces Covenant

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.