About Network Rail
About Network RailâŚ
Join Network Rail â Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, weâre dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, youâre not just part of a team â youâre part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.
Weâre committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy workâlife balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, weâll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If youâre ready to make a real difference, weâd love to hear from you!
Vacancy Details
Duration: Permanent (2 x positions available)
Location: This role is based in The Quadrant MK with potential to be based in Birmingham New Street or Manchester Square One. This role is a fullâtime opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes.
Band & Salary: Band 3C ÂŁ55,596 â ÂŁ65,966
Brief Description
Who are we looking for? We are looking for a commercially astute and driven Sourcing Manager to join our Procurement team at Network Rail. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, with a proven ability to deliver value and ensure compliance across complex procurement projects. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with a good understanding of public sector procurement regulations.
About the role
Are you a sourcing superstar? If so, we want you!
We are looking for dynamic procurement professionals to join our team, leading high value and complex sourcing projects.
If you love to engage with your customers, thrive on using your own initiative, have great people skills and are passionate about making a difference, please read on.
We are committed to working with our customers and the supply chain to procure and manage great commercial solutions that deliver value for passengers.
Our team leads exciting infrastructure related sourcing projects including building and civils, structural design and engineering projects, professional consultancy, lifts & escalators, property, decarbonisation, property development schemes, personal protective equipment, ecological services, drones, helicopters, waste management, security services and specialist rail plant. All of which supports our vision to Putting Passengers First by keeping our rail infrastructure operational.
Our team is one of 6 sourcing teams as part of the Route Services Commercial and Procurement team. We are a team of 20, with a great team ethos of supporting and developing each other. We enjoy regular team events together combining an element of learning as well as enjoying each otherâs company.
Youâll work closely with your customers and our business experts to undertake preâmarket engagement with the supply chain, draft sourcing strategies and tender documentation. Youâll be the expert leading the sourcing project, undertake complex commercial evaluations, including using your professional knowledge to lead negotiations with suppliers. You will have excellent communications skills, both written and verbal, be proactive, have in depth experience of the endâtoâend procurement process, be happy to challenge and be challenged and be prepared to go above and beyond to support our customers.
Understanding your customerâs needs will put you in the best place to identify the optimum strategic direction and put in place contracting strategies that embrace change, innovation and creative thinking. We want you to bring us new ideas to help us:
- Improve safety â everyone home safe every day;
- Be more sustainable.
- Be more efficient â financially and programme management.
- Introduce innovation from our supply chain;
- Provide creative contracting strategies.
And hear what some of our brilliant team members think about Network Rail in this video.
What does the average day look like?
As a Sourcing Manager at Network Rail, no two days are the same. Youâll lead complex, highâvalue sourcing projects â particularly across indirect procurement â from shaping business requirements through to contract signature, ensuring we deliver meaningful commercial outcomes. Working closely with stakeholders across functions and regions, youâll implement category strategies, negotiate contracts, and drive innovation to solve business challenges through the supply market. Youâll also manage risk and governance in a regulated environment, support the smooth handover to supplier management teams, and contribute to continuous improvement across the sourcing function. With a strong focus on collaboration, inclusion, and delivering value beyond expectation, your work will help us unlock savings and build a more efficient, effective railway for everyone.
Essential Criteria
- Deep level of Sourcing experience, with a demonstrable track record of savings delivery
- Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
- Demonstrable experience of contract law and financial management
- Demonstrable experience of driving value from complex sourcing opportunities
- Experienced with agile crossâfunctional collaborative working methods
- Politically savvy, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies
- Demonstrable level of problemâsolving experience of complex sourcing specific challenges
- Completer finisher mindset
Please see attached job description for full details.
Desirable Criteria
- Has an understanding of public sector procurement legislation.
- Experience in delivering multiâmillion pound procurement projects (over ÂŁ10m).
- Line management experience.
- Is a member of the chartered institute of Purchasing & Supply.
How to apply
Additional InformationâŚ
Closing date
28th January. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Next Steps
Interviews will be held W/C 2nd February depending on business requirements. Please note: the interview process will consist of 3 elements, should you be successful, including:
- Brief Teams call to understand your alignment to the role;
- A) Competency test and B) formal interview (2A and 2B stages will take place on the same day).
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of preâemployment checks. Click here for more information.
Some of our great benefits
- đ Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- đ Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- đ Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- đ 75% subsidy on train tickets.
- đ Interestâfree travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- đ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Plus moreâŚ.
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Procurement Manager - C&P employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - C&P
â¨Tip Number 1
Network Rail is all about connections, so make sure you network like a pro! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and connect with current employees on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
â¨Tip Number 2
When you get that interview, donât just prepare answersâprepare questions too! Show your interest in the role by asking about their projects and how you can contribute. Itâll demonstrate your enthusiasm and help you stand out from the crowd.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with your responses. This will help you articulate your experience and skills clearly, especially when discussing complex procurement projects.
â¨Tip Number 4
Finally, donât forget to apply through our website! Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows youâre serious about joining Network Rail and making a difference in the railway sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager - C&P
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, as well as any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Show Off Your Skills: Donât hold back on showcasing your communication and negotiation skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and delivered results. This is your chance to shine!
Be Authentic: Let your personality come through in your application. Weâre looking for dynamic individuals who are passionate about making a difference. Share your motivations for wanting to join Network Rail and how you align with our values.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. Itâs straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right people. Plus, youâll find all the details you need about the role there!