Sourcing Specialist

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 not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that 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're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments.

We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Some of our great benefits

• We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered
• Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependant), with the option to buy/sell days
• Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass
• Defined benefit pension scheme
• 75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs)
• Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets
• Volunteer leave to make a positive impact

Duration: This role is permanent

Location: This position is based in The Quadrant:MK, Milton Keynes. This is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For The Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes distance.

Hours:35 hours per week with hybrid working and travel as required. Flexible working and job shares can be considered.

Band and Salary: Band 4B £35,582- £43,400 per annum (pro rata if applicable), depending on skills and experience.

About the role

On an average day, you'll be leading sourcing activities from initial business requirements through to contract signature, ensuring we deliver meaningful commercial outcomes. Working closely with stakeholders across functions, you'll implement category strategies, negotiate contracts, and manage risk and governance in a regulated environment. Your work will help us to maximise value and deliver a positive customer experience, helping to build a more efficient, effective railway for everyone.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a proactive and forward-thinking Sourcing Specialist to join the Road Logistics and Materials team in Directs Sourcing. The ideal candidate will have experience managing end-to-end sourcing activities, strong knowledge of procurement regulations, and the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders and suppliers. You will bring excellent analytical and communication skills, a commitment to transparency, and the drive to contribute to Network Rail's mission of delivering a safe, reliable, and efficient railway.

About the team

You'll be joining a supportive, inclusive and collaborative Commercial & Procurement team that plays a key role in keeping Britain's railways running efficiently and safely. We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the business to deliver value for money, ensure compliance, and support strategic objectives. It's a fast-paced and dynamic environment where your ideas are valued, and professional development is encouraged. Wespecialisein the procurement of rail infrastructure materials (track, signalling & telecoms, electrification and fixed plant-most of which are subject to Network Rail's Product Acceptance process), road fleet (vehicle management, telematics, fuel cards) and road logistics (road haulage and warehousing) requirements for our customers.

Your experience and skills

• Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience
• Demonstrable level of Sourcing experience, with a track record of savings delivery
• Experience with negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
• Experience with contract law and financial management
• Experience with driving value from sourcing opportunities
• Experienced with agile cross-functional collaborative working methods
• Politically aware, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies at an executive level
• Experience of problem-solving complex sourcing specific challenges
• Completer finisher mindset

Please see attached job description for full details.

Desirable Criteria

• Detailed knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, including procurement processes in a reclassified environment
• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification, or working towards

Below are some examples of adjustments we can make:

• Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done' - For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online, tasks or interviews as needed.
• Changing a physical feature of our workplace - For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
• Providing extra equipment or assistance - For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available.

There are lots of other adjustments we can consider - please just ask!

Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by phone or email.

Closing date: 6 th August 2026. Late applicants will not be accepted. This role is being advertised internally and externally.

On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 24 th August 2026, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

Business, Commercial and Project Management