Strategic Contracts and Purchasing Manager

Each Northern journey relies on how we collaborate with our internal teams, the suppliers we work with, and the performance standards we set behind the scenes. As part of our Procurement team at Northern, you’d lead the way in how we manage contracts and purchasing across the business. This role sits at the heart of how we govern our supply relationships, manage risk confidently, and build strong, value‑driven relationships with our supply chain that deliver what we paid for. You’ll make sure our contract management approach is a living and breathing business culture – it’s something people understand, use and see the benefit of every day. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you’ll lead a team and influence a range of stakeholders right across Northern. From governance and compliance to business analytics and supplier performance, you’ll help shape how we work – and raise the bar for the whole industry.

What You’ll Be Doing

• You’ll take ownership of our contract management framework, making sure it reflects best practice and works in the real world.
• Leading and embedding a clear, practical contract management framework across the business.
• Acting as the go-to expert for contract and supplier relationship management.
• Making sure our purchasing function and purchase-to-pay process run smoothly, efficiently and compliantly.
• Setting and owning procurement and purchasing key performance indicators, using data to improve performance and reduce supply chain risk.
• Turning procurement data into meaningful business insights that support better decision‑making.
• Strengthening governance and controls across the supply chain to deliver value for money and regulatory compliance.
• Supporting and influencing budget holders, with delegated financial authority up to £250k.
• Providing training and guidance on contract management best practice, including changes under the Procurement Act 2023.
• Working closely with senior leaders, project teams and external partners to drive engagement and consistent ways of working.
• Coaching and motivating your team and stakeholders to embrace change and deliver measurable benefits.

Success in this role means supplier performance is visible and well‑managed, risk is understood across the organisation, and we’re recognised for doing contract management properly – not just adequately.

About You

You know that good contract management is about more than paperwork – it’s about relationships, performance and outcomes. Here’s what you’ll bring:

• Strong leadership and people management skills – you can guide a team and bring others with you.
• A solid track record in supplier and contract management, with clear examples of delivering value and improvement.
• Experience of driving change in purchasing practices and embedding better ways of working.
• Confidence presenting to and influencing senior leaders, including Board‑level stakeholders.
• A good understanding of procurement law, including the Procurement Act 2023.
• The ability to turn data into insight and insight into action.
• A Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply qualification, or equivalent experience, would be helpful – but it’s not essential.

What matters most is your expertise and your ability to make it happen. If you’re comfortable influencing at executive level, introducing new frameworks, and helping a large organisation see the bigger picture of supplier performance and risk, you’ll feel right at home here.

What’s in it for you?

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plug‑in hybrid car.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment. Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board. At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment. No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.