At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tender process and negotiate contracts to drive procurement efficiency.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at S E Trains Ltd in London Bridge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, pension, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement strategies and improve supply chain efficiencies.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified with four years in procurement or contract management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you looking for a career where you can make a real difference in people’s day? We are seeking a Direct Procurement Manager to join our team based from our Head Office in London Bridge (x3 times a week). This role is an important component of the Southern Procurement team. The team is responsible for all purchasing requirements for the organisation and supports a wide range of functions from purchase order creation, supplier management, tendering, contract and commercial support and delivering value through savings, improved contracts and supply chain efficiencies.
What you’ll do:
- Responsible for the entire tender process with the Direct category for new requirements, negotiating extensions or renegotiations whilst complying with UCR16 and the Procurement Act.
- Propose appropriate terms and conditions and draft amendments to Southern or standard form terms and conditions for purchasing/procurement requirements.
- Work with contract managers to develop procurement strategies and 12-24 month project pipelines and determine technical specifications.
- Work with internal stakeholders to support the development of business cases and business plan submissions, and to ensure goods & services are appropriately specified and KPIs are developed for contracts.
- Regularly update the Senior Procurement Manager with project progress, contract status and submit signed documentation/contracts for archiving.
- Effectively communicate and engage stakeholders throughout the procurement process.
Experience you’ll need:
- Qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) – or equivalent transferrable degree or professional qualification.
- A minimum of four years of working in an accountable role in either a procurement, commercial or contract management environment.
- Working knowledge of contract law, government legislation and OJEU regulations.
- Comprehensive understanding and experience of procure to pay (P2P) systems and processes.
- Some experience of contract management (i.e. post contract).
- Good understanding of contractual documentation and governance requirements.
- Good understanding of e‑tendering systems/tools.
- Good stakeholder management skills and experience.
- Proficient experience of supply chain planning and producing associated reports.
- E‑tendering tools experience and knowledge.
As proud members of the Armed Forces Covenant and Disability Confident Scheme, we will offer you an interview if you apply under these schemes and meet the minimum criteria for the role.
Benefits:
- Final salary pension
- 25 days annual leave allowance (plus bank holidays)
Direct Procurement Manager employer: South Eastern Railway
At S E Trains Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London. As a Direct Procurement Manager, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a final salary pension scheme, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance our services. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our support for professional qualifications and a culture that values collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Procurement Manager
✨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 South Eastern Railway.
✨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 Direct Procurement Manager
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 South Eastern Railway:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to South Eastern Railway. 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 South Eastern Railway.
How to prepare for a job interview at South Eastern Railway
✨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 South Eastern Railway!
✨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 South Eastern Railway. 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 South Eastern Railway's culture.
