At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate materials for rail and infrastructure projects, ensuring compliance and quality.
- Company: Join RHA Recruitment Solutions, a leader in rail and infrastructure procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary based on experience, with contract and permanent options available.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safer, greener rail services while working on nationwide projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within rail or infrastructure and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
If you’re looking for a role where your decisions directly support safer, greener, more reliable rail and infrastructure services, this is it. RHA Recruitment Solutions is keen to speak to proactive, commercially astute Procurement specialists to join an established team supporting major rail and infrastructure programmes. Based in Cheshire East, but working on projects nationwide, this is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, safety-critical environment and wants to play a key role in delivering nationally significant projects.
You’ll be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and managing the procurement of materials, plant, and specialist services across multi-disciplinary engineering works – ensuring full compliance with RHA, Network Rail, RISQS and project governance.
Duties will include, but not be limited to:
- Managing direct procurement of materials, components and subcontracted services for rail & infrastructure projects.
- Leading tendering activity (RFQs, RFPs, ITTs) and securing best-value commercial outcomes.
- Negotiating pricing, terms and SLAs with suppliers across the RHA supply chain.
- Ensuring full compliance with Network Rail standards, RISQS, and internal procurement governance.
- Working closely with project, engineering and commercial teams to forecast demand and maintain supply continuity.
- Building strong supplier relationships and driving performance, quality and delivery improvements.
- Supporting contract administration under NEC and other relevant frameworks.
- Identifying cost-saving opportunities, market innovations and supply-chain risks.
What can you offer:
- Experience as a Buyer / Direct Buyer within rail, infrastructure, construction or engineering.
- Strong understanding of RHA sector requirements and safety-critical procurement.
- Knowledge of regulated procurement, Network Rail frameworks and supplier assurance.
- Confident negotiator with strong commercial acumen.
- Ability to interpret technical specifications and collaborate with engineering teams.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- ERP/MRP experience (SAP, Oracle, IFS, COINS or similar).
Desirables:
- CIPS qualification (or working towards).
- Experience with NEC contracts.
- Understanding of sustainability and social-value requirements in UK infrastructure.
For further details or to apply to the position, please contact Richard at RHA Recruitment Solutions.
Direct Buyer - Rail in Crewe employer: RHA Recruitment Solutions
RHA Recruitment Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cheshire East that champions safety and sustainability within the rail and infrastructure sectors. Employees benefit from a culture of collaboration and innovation, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development while contributing to nationally significant projects. Join us to make impactful decisions that enhance the reliability and efficiency of essential services across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Buyer - Rail in Crewe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, webinars, or local meet-ups related to rail and infrastructure. It's all about making connections that could lead to job opportunities, so don’t be shy—introduce yourself and chat with others in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills as a Direct Buyer can contribute to safer and greener rail services. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you secured best-value outcomes or built strong supplier relationships. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commercial acumen and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our mission in delivering nationally significant projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Buyer - Rail in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Direct Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within rail and infrastructure. We want to see how your skills align with the job description, so don’t hold back!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your commercial acumen and negotiation skills. We love a good story!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be sure to showcase any relevant experience you have with RHA sector requirements and safety-critical procurement. We’re looking for someone who understands the ins and outs of the industry, so let us know what you’ve got!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at RHA Recruitment Solutions
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes, especially in the rail and infrastructure sectors. Familiarise yourself with terms like RFQs, RFPs, and NEC contracts, as well as the compliance standards set by Network Rail and RISQS.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and past successes. Think of specific examples where you secured best-value outcomes or built strong supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Research the company and its projects. Understand how your role as a Direct Buyer fits into the larger goals of delivering safer and greener rail services. This shows that you're not just focused on procurement but also on contributing to national infrastructure improvements.
✨Be Ready for Technical Discussions
Since you'll be collaborating with engineering teams, be prepared to interpret technical specifications. Brush up on any relevant technical knowledge that could come up during the interview, as this will highlight your ability to work cross-functionally.
