At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage a £10m portfolio to support organisational goals.
- Company: Join the Office of Rail and Road, a key regulator for Britain's railways.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across London and the South East.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative team shaping the future of rail regulation.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement leadership and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.
We're looking for a Head of Procurement to join our Corporate Operations directorate. This role can be based at any of our office locations: London, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, York, Glasgow but the successful candidate will be expected to travel frequently throughout London and the South East of England. At ORR we have adopted hybrid working and are currently expected to work from a workplace location for a minimum of two days per week or 40%.
The Office of Rail and Road (ORR) is the independent economic and safety regulator for Britain’s railways and monitor of performance on England’s strategic road network. This is an exciting time to join ORR, we are delivering a significant transformation programme to create a consistently agile and enabling organisation, with the right capability and a strong, inclusive culture that reflects our talented people. This will ensure we continue to operate as an independent, expert regulator, fit for the future and equipped with the capabilities and ways of working required to support sector-wide rail reform, while contributing to the government’s broader agenda on regulatory reform and economic growth.
The Finance and Procurement team covers finance, procurement, business planning, in year business monitoring, oversight of internal audit and financial governance for the organisation. As a result of these activities and its position at the centre, the team works closely with all directorates within the ORR.
The Head of Procurement provides senior organisational leadership on procurement and commercial strategy, shaping how ORR plans, governs and manages third-party spend to support delivery of its strategic priorities, regulatory responsibilities and transformation agenda (c£10m procurement portfolio).
The role is accountable for:
- Setting and delivering ORR’s procurement strategy
- Providing assurance to ExCo and the Board on commercial governance, compliance and risk
- Leading a high-performing procurement function aligned to government commercial standards
- Embedding procurement as a partner to the business, influencing decision-making at senior levels.
Please refer to the attached Job Description and Job Information Pack for further details.
Head of Procurement employer: Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
At the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters inclusivity and professional growth. With a commitment to hybrid working, our employees enjoy flexibility while contributing to significant transformation initiatives that shape the future of Britain's railways. Join us in a role where your leadership in procurement will not only influence strategic priorities but also support a culture of collaboration and excellence across our diverse teams located in vibrant cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
Contact Details:
Office of Rail and Road (ORR) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨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 Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
✨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 Head of Procurement
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 Office of Rail and Road (ORR):Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Office of Rail and Road (ORR). 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 Office of Rail and Road (ORR).
How to prepare for a job interview at Office of Rail and Road (ORR)
✨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 Office of Rail and Road (ORR)!
✨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 Office of Rail and Road (ORR). 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 Office of Rail and Road (ORR)'s culture.
