Head of Procurement - Rail

Location: Birmingham

Sector: Rail

Job type: Permanent

Salary: £90,000 per annum

We are working with a prestigious client in the rail industry to recruit a Head of Procurement. The successful individual will provide senior leadership, vision and drive to the company Procurement function, with accountability for delivery of all procurement related activity to the Client (DfT), the Group and wider business and to ensure these activities are carried out efficiently, effectively and in line with the relevant standards, regulations and contractual requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, strategic direction and coaching to professional procurement staff, acting as role model for performance and behavioural standards.
• Accountable for all aspects of Procurement activity in liaison with DfT on TOC related activities, including management of effective controls and guidance to the business, the Group and the Executive.
• Develop systems and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective management of the company’s procurement activities, ensuring company policies comply with the relevant legislation (UCR and PA23), contractual requirements and that group policies are followed.
• Act as the main point of contact to external parties (e.g. DfT / Auditors) on Procurement activity and provide all required information.
• Management of Business Plan, overall pipeline of upcoming activity and forecast commitments from a Procurement perspective.
• Update and maintain knowledge on procurement policy developments and regulations, briefing the business and relevant colleagues and making recommendations and proposals for change that will improve the company’s performance and controls.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments supporting business initiatives, aimed at improving corporate outcomes, including train service performance, customer focus, profitability and enhancing social value.
• Work with the Group to ensure full compliance with all Affiliate related activity and Handover pack responsibilities.
• Provide effective Corporate Governance of procurement and other activities as required, including senior stakeholder management, to deliver improved outcomes in disciplines such as internal audit, corporate risk and centralised support functions.

Required Skills:

• Professional Procurement qualification with significant post qualification experience.
• In depth understanding of UCR & PA23 and knowledge of National Rail Contract (NRC).
• Experienced and highly credible leader with people and leadership skills gained in at a senior level, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate a team to deliver results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all levels of the business, with an ability to explain complex Procurement issues to a non-subject matter audience.
• Experience of rail or similar transport/franchise industry.
• Honesty and Integrity - Is transparent and honest and takes full responsibility for actions.
• Commercial awareness - demonstrates a broad-based view of issues, events and activities and a perception of their longer-term impact or wider implications.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.

If you are an experienced procurement professional with knowledge of the UK rail sector, please get in touch.