Rail Operations Analyst in Bristol

Heidelberg Materials UK (formerly Hanson UK) is one of the UK's largest suppliers of construction materials, employing over 4,000 people and operating around 300 manufacturing sites in the UK. We are committed to building a more sustainable future and recognise that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development. We aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency and individual achievement. At the centre of our actions lies the responsibility for the environment. As the front runner on the path to carbon neutrality and circular economy in the building materials industry, we are working on sustainable building materials and solutions for the future. We enable new opportunities for our customers through digitalisation.

Purchase Order Management: Within SAP, create, manage, and track all purchase orders related to rail transport. Verify accuracy against contracts and agreed rates, ensure timely approval, and maintain a clear audit trail.

Cost Management: Monitor and validate all rail-related costs against purchase orders and invoices. Identify discrepancies, resolve promptly, and provide cost analysis reports to management. Support budgeting and forecasting for rail transport expenses.

Data Analysis & KPI Reporting: Collect and analyse operational data to measure performance against set KPIs (e.g., PO accuracy, cost per tonne, on-time delivery, wagon availability and utilisation). Produce monthly dashboards and reports, highlighting trends and recommending improvements.

Rail Efficiency Analysis: Analyse rail utilisation, turnaround times, and empty run ratios. Recommend strategies to optimise scheduling and reduce costs.

On-Site Weighbridge: Undertake weighbridge operations when required, ensuring accurate recording of inbound and outbound loads. Verify weight data against system records and maintain compliance with safety standards.

Stakeholder Communication: Act as the point of contact with rail providers and internal finance/operations teams. Communicate schedule changes and operational updates promptly.

Continuous Improvement: Support initiatives to streamline PO processes, improve cost control, and enhance rail efficiency.

Job Requirements:

• Strong organisational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Experience in logistics or transport administration (rail experience preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office and SAP systems.
• Knowledge of purchase order processes and cost control.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Education/Qualification:

• Professional accounting qualification – AAT (Desired)
• Financial and accounting ability – Studying for an accounting qualification is not a requirement but would be supported.
• Working knowledge of SAP.

At Heidelberg Materials, we don't just offer jobs—we build careers. As a global leader in construction materials, we're committed to innovation, sustainability, and, above all, our people.

Rewards & Benefits:

• Competitive Package: Salary, bonus incentives, generous pension, and life assurance.
• Work-Life Balance: 27 days holiday (plus bank holidays), agile/flexible working, holiday purchase, and sabbatical options, Season and travel ticket loans.
• Family-Friendly Policies: Enhanced support for maternity, paternity, adoption, IVF, neonatal care, and menopause.
• Inclusive Culture: Paid volunteering day and active employee communities (LGBTQ+, Women in STEM, Armed Forces, and more).
• Wellbeing & Development: Employee Assistance Programme, retail discounts, and continuous learning opportunities.

At Heidelberg Materials UK, we strive to create an inclusive and respectful workplace where every individual can bring their unique skills and background to contribute to the success of our business. We understand that a diverse workforce is key to our growth and development, and we aim to foster a culture that values openness, transparency, and individual achievement.

If you're interested in joining our team, we encourage you to apply, even if your experience or skill set doesn't perfectly align with the job description. Creating a candidate home page is optional, when asked, but you can use this to quickly see the progress of your application(s). You may still be the right fit for this or other roles within our company. Heidelberg Materials is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please let your recruiter know if you need an accommodation at any point during the interview process.

We understand that women may face unique challenges in their careers, and we are committed to providing a supportive environment to help you thrive. Our family-friendly policies, such as enhanced maternity and parental leave, neonatal care, and adoption support, will provide you with the flexibility and support you need to balance your personal and professional commitments. We also offer a range of benefits, such as access to our Employee Assistance Program, trained mental health first aiders, discounted private medical benefits and much more, to ensure your wellbeing is prioritized.