At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and property functions to drive value and operational excellence.
- Company: Join one of the UK’s largest rail operators, CrossCountry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to shape strategic decisions.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our culture; we welcome all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement and property management while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in procurement, strong analytical skills, and ability to influence leaders.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Procurement & Property to lead our procurement and property functions, driving value for money, strong governance, and operational excellence across the business. Reporting to the Finance Director and working closely with the Executive Team, you’ll play a key role in shaping strategic decisions, enhancing procurement capability, and leading a high‑performing team in a highly regulated environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Strategic Procurement Leadership
- Develop and deliver CrossCountry’s procurement strategy, aligned with business objectives and Arriva Group policies.
- Drive commercial value across all spend categories through effective sourcing, negotiation and contract management.
- Lead procurement workstreams for major business projects and strategic initiatives.
- Build strong market and supplier knowledge to improve performance, resilience and value.
- Governance, Compliance & Assurance
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, governance requirements and internal policies.
- Maintain robust controls, audit trails and reporting to support internal and external assurance activities.
- Identify, manage and escalate procurement and operational risks appropriately.
- Supplier & Contract Management
- Lead supplier relationship management and performance improvement initiatives.
- Establish effective contract management practices, ownership and governance across the business.
- Drive supplier performance through clear KPIs, monitoring and engagement.
- Property & Facilities
- Oversee the management of CrossCountry’s property portfolio, including leases, facilities management and maintenance activities.
- Ensure compliance with statutory, health, safety and property-related obligations across the estate.
- Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead, coach and develop the Procurement & Property team.
- Promote commercial awareness and collaborative working across the business.
- Build effective relationships with senior leaders, Arriva Group, the Department for Transport and external partners.
- Champion continuous improvement, innovation and best practice.
About You
- Essential
- Significant experience across the full procurement lifecycle, including tendering, supplier engagement, negotiation and contract management.
- Experience managing complex outsourced service contracts and delivering measurable commercial benefits.
- Strong understanding of procurement governance, assurance and risk management.
- Excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to influence senior leaders and drive change in a complex environment.
- Experience using Microsoft 365 applications and purchase‑to‑pay systems.
- Desirable
- MCIPS Level 6 qualification.
- Experience working under the Procurement Act 2023 and/or Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016.
- Property and facilities management experience.
- Experience within rail, transport, logistics or another regulated sector.
- Experience leading digital transformation or process improvement initiatives.
Closing date for applications: 15th June 2026.
Why Join CrossCountry?
This is an opportunity to lead a critical business function at one of the UK’s largest rail operators, influencing strategic decisions, delivering meaningful commercial outcomes, and shaping the future of procurement and property management across the organisation.
Diversity & Inclusion
At CrossCountry, we value the diverse experiences, perspectives and backgrounds of our people. Creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive is central to our success, and we welcome applications from all communities.
Head of Procurement and Property in Birmingham employer: XC Trains Limited
CrossCountry is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead procurement and property functions within one of the UK’s largest rail operators. With a strong focus on commercial excellence, governance, and operational efficiency, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that promotes continuous improvement and innovation. The company prioritises diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for professional growth and development, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement and Property in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and property sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CrossCountry and its procurement strategies. Understand their challenges and think about how you can add value. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals – it’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you drove commercial value or improved processes. Use metrics to back up your claims – numbers speak volumes in procurement!
✨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 about their job search. So, get that application in and let’s make things happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement and Property in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement and property management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've driven value and improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing measurable outcomes that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it gets into the right hands and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at XC Trains Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the full procurement lifecycle, especially tendering and contract management. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they align with CrossCountry's goals. They’ll want to see that you can drive commercial value and have a strong grasp of governance and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams and influenced senior leaders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to coach and develop others, as well as your experience in building effective relationships across various stakeholders. This role is all about leadership, so make it clear you can inspire and drive change.
✨Demonstrate Market Knowledge
Research the rail and transport sectors, focusing on current trends and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you would apply this knowledge to improve supplier performance and drive innovation at CrossCountry. Showing that you understand the market will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since this role involves navigating a highly regulated environment, be prepared to answer questions about procurement legislation and risk management. Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and any relevant regulations. Demonstrating your understanding of compliance will reassure them that you can maintain robust controls.
