Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team as a Category Manager, sourcing materials and ensuring top-notch supplier performance.
- Company: Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier, innovating in rail for over 30 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, a generous pension scheme, and 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Why this job: Be part of a diverse, supportive team driving sustainability and innovation in the railway industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, Law, or Business Management; procurement experience preferred.
- Other info: We value inclusivity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 18 July 2025
Department: Procurement
Location: Derby
Description
About us
Porterbrook is the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company. We’ve been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains.
As a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future, we’ve invested over £3.5bn in new rolling stock and we’re actively looking to invest a further £1bn in the years ahead. Since 2020, this includes over £550 million in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure.
Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we’ve been named the global sector leader in the annual GRESB sustainability assessment for the last four years.
Our teams are leading some of the most exciting innovations taking place in the railway today at our sites in Derby, London, and the 135-acre Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire – an invaluable asset for the railway to test and trial new traction technologies.
Our values About the team
Our procurement team consists of specialists based in Derby and Long Marston. The team work closely with all departments in the procurement of goods and services, both engineering and non-engineering.
About the role
A great opportunity for an exceptional Senior Category Buyer, to join the Porterbrook team.
Role Purpose
Responsible for supporting Category Managers in the sourcing of materials and services to support the category strategies underpinning the procurement requirements of the business. Ensuring that the best value for money is obtained, while adhering to the highest level of quality and supplier performance.
Acting as the interface between the engineering/project management function and rest of the team, ensuring that all service levels are achieved, and issues/warranties are escalated in a timely manner. Developing an understanding of synergies that may exist across the different categories/fleets/projects across the business to ensure all procurements are achieving optimum efficiency.
Responsibilities
Implement Procurement categories strategies
- Implement agreed category strategies for the procurement on key categories. These must be in line with the overall procurement strategy and will be delivered to provide the best value and quality for the business, ensuring that it remains in line with customers’ requirements and with an eye on future innovations
- Be seen as the Procurement subject matter experts on their assigned categories, and the benefits they can deliver to the customer and end user
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process for categories, from RFP through to end supplier management, including, and not limited to:
- Identify opportunities for new services through the use of innovative products to customers
- Supporting project managers with the warranty process, working with internal customers and external suppliers to resolve any disputed claims
- Supporting the management of Free Issue Materials (FIM) to ensure successful delivery into projects
- Where appropriate, tracking supplier performance against the contractual service level agreements, ensuring feedback from other functions is received and acted upon. Escalate any issues in a timely manner, both externally to the supplier and internally within the commercial function
Developing the Procurement Function
- Support the overall drive for cost efficiencies across the procurement function
- Support the development of procurement processes and systems
- Support the delivery of quality accreditations, including the ISO 20400 in sustainable procurement
- Working as part of the procurement function, supporting the development of the overall strategy and annual business plan
- Actively participate in any Porterbrook supplier events and engage in a programme to manage the relationships with all suppliers on a regular basis. This will be supported by the managing of KPIs across the supply base
- Support other functions (Finance/Commercial/Fleet) in the internal planning and budgeting for WLMP/FQP
Supporting Business Objectives
- Support the commercial and innovation processes with knowledge of relevant categories, how they are developing and the costs for implementation
- Support the project managers and other functions during the operational phase of a contract/project and be seen as the point of escalation for commercial issues with the supply base
Other Duties
- Work effectively with other functions/departments, often as part of cross-functional teams
- Operate in line with the organisation’s values and behaviours
- Ensure that all products procured comply with all environmental, ethical and health and safety legislation
- Support both the function and business in the drive for continuous improvement
Skills / Experience
What you’ll need to have
- An individual who is a self-starter and is effective working either alone or as part of a team to complete the job to the highest level. Excellent technical knowledge/awareness of key railway sub-systems, along with knowledge of the latest digital and electronic systems and the future opportunities offered in these areas for rail is desirable
- Able to take a pragmatic approach to challenges, actively solve problems before they become issues and escalating at the right time. Experience of taking full accountability for the end to end procurement processes, with a track record in achieving quality results
- An ambitious and driven individual, with a track record in procurement. Experience of Oracle systems would be desirable
- Educated to degree or further education standard, preferably in either Engineering, Law, or Business Management
- An MCIPS, or better, qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement would be preferred (or working towards this)
- Extensive procurement experience as a Senior Buyer, gained within an engineering environment
- Knowledge of railway industry rolling stock and components, essential
- Legal or commercial experience would be advantageous
- Track record of working to and exceeding KPIs
- Knowledge of Oracle-based systems
It would be great if you also had
- Commercially astute with excellent understanding of contracting
- Well organised and experienced in working under pressure
- Experience of e-procurement systems
- Numerate with strong analytical skills
- Microsoft Excel skills at intermediate level
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
A great place to work
People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded:
- Investors in People Gold accreditation
- Investors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Gold accreditation
- National Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the Year
- National Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the Year
These accolades reflect the company\’s dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.
To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.
Our benefits
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:
- 1.5x employer contributory pension scheme
- Financial wellbeing support
- Flexible working
- Enhanced family friendly policies
- Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
- Enhanced Armed Forces policies
- Ongoing support with professional and personal development
- Long service awards
- Porterbrook Star awards
- Life assurance
- Healthcare cash plan
- 25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leave
- Additional days annual leave for long service
- Season ticket loan
Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.
Equal Opportunities
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.
Accessibility
We’re committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk We’ll be happy to discuss how we can assist.
To apply
Please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.
This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
What happens next?
Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.
Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you\’re ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!
Please note we are not accepting approaches from recruitment agencies for this role.
We support #J-18808-Ljbffr
Category Manager employer: Porterbrook
Contact Detail:
Porterbrook Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and the railway industry. Understanding innovations in rolling stock and sustainability practices will help you stand out as a knowledgeable candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and railway sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the company culture at Porterbrook.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with end-to-end procurement processes in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've achieved cost efficiencies and improved supplier performance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Porterbrook's recent projects and initiatives, especially those related to sustainability and innovation. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the company's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Category Manager role. Focus on your procurement experience, particularly in engineering environments, and any achievements related to cost efficiencies or supplier management.
Craft a Compelling Covering Email: In your covering email, clearly articulate why you are a great fit for the Porterbrook team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage end-to-end procurement processes and your understanding of railway sub-systems.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications such as MCIPS or experience with Oracle systems, make sure to mention these prominently. This will show that you meet the preferred criteria and have the necessary technical knowledge.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application of how you've effectively solved procurement challenges in the past. This could include instances where you improved supplier performance or managed warranty processes successfully.
How to prepare for a job interview at Porterbrook
✨Understand the Company and Its Values
Before your interview, take some time to research Porterbrook. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to sustainability and innovation in the railway sector. This will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in procurement, particularly in an engineering environment. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed the end-to-end procurement process and achieved quality results. This will show that you have the relevant skills for the Category Manager role.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, expect questions related to railway sub-systems and digital systems. Brush up on your knowledge in these areas and be ready to discuss how you can leverage this expertise to benefit Porterbrook's procurement strategies.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
The role requires a pragmatic approach to challenges. Prepare to share examples of how you've proactively solved problems in previous roles. Emphasising your ability to escalate issues at the right time will showcase your accountability and strategic thinking.
