At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities for railway infrastructure and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading firm in rail project management based in Derby.
- Benefits: Competitive salary plus a comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Minimum 5 years' experience in rail or infrastructure procurement required.
- Why this job: Opportunity to influence major rail projects and enhance supply chain excellence.
- Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in a related field and CIPS Level 4 qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Project Procurement Manager is responsible for leading and managing all procurement activities across railway infrastructure, signalling, electrification, and associated rail projects. The role ensures the timely, cost-effective, and compliant acquisition of goods, services, and subcontract packages while supporting project delivery objectives, commercial performance, and supply chain excellence. The successful candidate will work closely with project teams, engineering, commercial, finance, and key suppliers to develop procurement strategies, manage supplier relationships, mitigate risks, and deliver value throughout the project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Supply Chain Management
- Develop and implement project-specific procurement strategies aligned with business and project objectives.
- Manage end-to-end procurement activities including sourcing, tendering, bid evaluation, negotiation, contract award, and supplier performance management.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, rail industry standards, and contractual obligations.
- Identify and secure strategic suppliers for major rail infrastructure and engineering projects.
- Lead supplier negotiations to achieve best value, quality, delivery, and commercial outcomes.
- Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules, and contractual compliance.
- Project Support
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and commercial teams to ensure procurement plans support project schedules and milestones.
- Develop procurement schedules and monitor progress against project requirements.
- Manage procurement risks and implement mitigation strategies to avoid project delays.
- Support change management processes and evaluate commercial impacts on procurement activities.
- Commercial & Contract Management
- Prepare and review tender documentation, Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and contract documentation.
- Negotiate commercial terms and conditions with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Manage supplier contracts throughout their lifecycle, including renewals, amendments, and claims management.
- Ensure accurate cost reporting and budget control.
- Systems & Data Management
- Utilise SAP and ERP systems for procurement planning, purchasing, supplier management, reporting, and inventory control.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and reporting dashboards.
- Analyse procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supply chain performance.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives through system optimisation and process enhancement.
- Stakeholder & Supplier Relationship Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, project teams, and internal stakeholders.
- Conduct supplier performance reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support supplier development programmes and strategic sourcing initiatives.
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Logistics, or a related discipline.
- Professional procurement qualification (CIPS Level 4 or above) desirable.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 5 years' procurement experience within the rail, infrastructure, construction, engineering, or transportation sectors.
- Demonstrable experience managing procurement activities on large-scale project environments.
- Experience in contract negotiation and supplier management.
- Strong understanding of project procurement methodologies and supply chain management principles.
- Experience working with multidisciplinary project teams.
Essential Technical Skills
- Advanced knowledge and practical experience of SAP procurement modules.
- Strong experience using ERP systems for procurement, purchasing, reporting, and supply chain management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Understanding of NEC, FIDIC, or similar contract frameworks is advantageous.
- Knowledge of UK rail industry standards and procurement practices.
Key Competencies
- Commercial awareness
- Strategic sourcing and negotiation
- Project planning and organisation
- Stakeholder management
- Supplier relationship management
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
- Risk management
- Communication and presentation skills
- Attention to detail
- Leadership and team collaboration
Desirable Experience
- Experience working on Network Rail, HS2, Transport for London (TfL), or major rail infrastructure projects.
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).
- Experience with digital procurement and supply chain transformation initiatives.
Salary
Competitive salary plus benefits package, depending on experience and qualifications.
Project Procurement Manager – Rail employer: MPI Ltd
This role is based in Derby, where you will work with a team focused on delivering high-quality rail infrastructure projects. The company offers a competitive salary and a robust benefits package, supporting your professional growth in the procurement field.
