Sourcing Manager - C&P
Posted 3 days 12 hours ago by Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
About Network Rail
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter. At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're part of a team that matters to millions. We believe our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We are committed to a diverse, inclusive workplace and values flexibility and work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we will accommodate needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
Vacancy Details
Duration: Permanent
Location: This role is based in The Quadrant MK. It is a full-time opportunity; flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes.
Band & Salary: Band 3C £55,596 - £65,966
Brief Description
Who are we looking for? We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Sourcing Manager to join the Road Logistics and Materials team in Direct Sourcing. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in procurement and strategic sourcing, with the ability to deliver value through effective commercial and contractual solutions. A sound understanding of public procurement regulations - including the requirements of the Procurement Act 2023 - is essential, alongside strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills. This is a key role in ensuring our sourcing activity supports business needs while upholding transparency, fairness, and sustainability.
About the role (External)
About the team You'll join a supportive, inclusive and collaborative Commercial & Procurement team that keeps Britain's railways running efficiently and safely. We work with a wide range of stakeholders across the Supply Chain Operations, to deliver value for money, ensure compliance, and support strategic objectives. It's a fast-paced and dynamic environment where ideas are valued and professional development is encouraged. We specialise in procurement of rail infrastructure materials, road fleet and road logistics to meet customer needs.
What does the average day look like? As a Sourcing Manager, you'll be at the heart of major sourcing activities, directly procuring goods and services critical to the railway's safe and efficient operation-from infrastructure maintenance materials to frontline support services. You'll lead multi-million-pound tenders, shape category strategies, and manage complex stakeholder relationships across a devolved organisation, ensuring compliance with public sector procurement requirements and driving commercial value.
Essential Criteria
- Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience
- Deep level of Sourcing experience, with a track record of savings delivery
- Negotiation and dispute resolution skills
- Experience of contract law and financial management
- Experience of driving value from complex sourcing opportunities
- Experience with agile cross-functional collaborative working methods
- Politically savvy with the ability to influence at executive level
- Problem-solving experience of complex sourcing challenges
- Completer finisher mindset
Desirable Criteria
- Line management experience
- Detailed knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, including procurement processes in a reclassified environment
How to apply (External)
Additional Information
Closing date: 22 October. On occasions we may close the advert early based on application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Next Steps: Interviews will be held around 3 November, depending on business requirements.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be aware of our Safety Vision. All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. More information is available.
Some of our great benefits:
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days) with the option to buy/sell
- Discounts at stations with Network Rail pass
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- 75% subsidy on train tickets
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact
- Plus more