Commodity Manager in London

Commodity Manager in London

London Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) On-site
Hitachi Rail UK Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage procurement for commodities in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Company: Join Hitachi Rail, a leader in innovative transport solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and private medical insurance.
  • Other info: Flexible travel opportunities across the UK and potential international projects.
  • Why this job: Make an impact by influencing sourcing decisions and improving value chains.
  • Qualifications: Experience in commodity management and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

  • Description
  • We have an exciting opportunity for a

Commodity Manager to join our Procurement function, taking ownership of a portfolio of commodities supporting our Rolling Stock Manufacturing, Service and Maintenance activities.

This is a commercially focused role where you’ll manage procurement activity across the full source-to-contract lifecycle, from developing commodity and sourcing plans through to supplier evaluation, negotiation, contract award and ongoing supplier performance.

Working closely with stakeholders across the business and our supply base, you’ll have the opportunity to influence sourcing decisions, identify value-chain improvements and ensure the right commercial agreements are in place to support our operational requirements.

  • Some key responsibilities
  • Develop and deliver commodity plans for your portfolio, aligned to the wider category strategy.
  • Develop procurement and sourcing strategies for new contract opportunities.
  • Identify, assess and establish suitable suppliers.
  • Lead sourcing events including RFX and e-auctions.
  • Evaluate supplier proposals and provide recommendations to the business.
  • Lead commercial negotiations covering contract terms and provisions, through to contract approval and award.
  • Support material and vendor set-up within ERP/MRP systems across Hitachi Rail entities.
  • Lead contract handovers with Manufacturing, Service & Maintenance teams and Contract Managers.
  • Act as an escalation point for contract claims and exceptional cases of supplier non-performance.
  • Conduct supplier performance and risk reviews, including financial and capacity considerations.
  • Identify and manage value-chain improvement opportunities.
  • Work closely with Operational Procurement teams to support the on-time and on-budget delivery of materials and services.

About you

We're looking for a commercially minded procurement professional who is confident managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and working across different areas of a complex organisation.

You’ll ideally bring

  • Previous commodity management experience, although this doesn’t need to have been gained within the rail industry.
  • Experience working within a manufacturing or service & maintenance environment.
  • Strong supplier negotiation skills, including negotiating contractual provisions.
  • A good understanding of contract law and contract drafting across different products and services.
  • Strong commercial acumen and an appreciation of cost-saving methodologies such as value engineering and logistics optimisation.
  • Experience of working effectively within cross-functional teams.
  • Good working knowledge of SAP, including POs, Material Master, PIR and contract management.
  • Experience and understanding of Contract Lifecycle Management tools.
  • Good Excel and wider Microsoft Office skills.
  • Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder-management skills.
  • A highly organised and methodical approach, with the motivation to work independently and solve problems.

Flexibility to travel is important. The role can involve travel between UK locations including

London and Newton Aycliffe

, potentially up to weekly, alongside occasional international travel depending on project requirements.

What we offer

We value the importance of all of our employees. If you would like to join our fantastic organisation, you could be entitled to:

  • Competitive salary
  • Potential opportunity for annual performance-related bonus
  • 25 days holiday
  • Pension scheme with contributions up to 9%
  • Private medical insurance
  • Personal Accident Insurance
  • Group Income Protection
  • Group Life Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Programme

We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.

#LI-GF1

Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail. If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at .

At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone.

We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view.

It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

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Commodity Manager in London employer: Hitachi Rail UK Limited

Hitachi Rail UK Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members benefit from extensive training opportunities and the chance to work on impactful projects that enhance national cyber security. The company's commitment to a supportive culture and flexible working arrangements makes it an attractive place for professionals looking to make a meaningful contribution while enjoying the benefits of travel across the UK.

Hitachi Rail UK Limited

Contact Details:

Hitachi Rail UK Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commodity Manager in London

✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks

Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!

✨Show Off Your Skills

Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Hitachi Rail UK Limited.

✨Tap into Your Network

Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!

✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards

With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!

We think you need these skills to ace Commodity Manager in London

Commodity Management
Supplier Negotiation Skills
Contract Law Understanding
Contract Drafting
Commercial Acumen
Cost-Saving Methodologies
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!

Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Hitachi Rail UK Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hitachi Rail UK Limited. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!

Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Hitachi Rail UK Limited.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hitachi Rail UK Limited

✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills

In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!

✨Know Your Tools

Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Hitachi Rail UK Limited!

✨Understand Market Trends

As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Hitachi Rail UK Limited. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.

✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude

A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Hitachi Rail UK Limited's culture.