Business Support Manager

This role sits within Supply Chain Operations (SCO), an area of the business which supplies and delivers the logistics, materials, components, rail and road fleet that enable the maintenance and renewal of the railway.

SCO keeps the materials, machinery and components required by its customers moving – making sure they are on-site when needed so work can go ahead as planned and on schedule.

Brief Description

An exciting, high-profile role working within a customer-focused, collaborative and passionate team, you will lead an internal team and a large supply base responsible for the operations and maintenance of Network Rail’s specialist delivery fleets that deliver materials across our business. You will also be responsible for leading the once-in-a-generation introduction of a new multi-million-pound fleet to deliver our rail requirements for the next 40 years.

The role requires someone who can build effective working relationships, identify solutions under pressure and deliver multiple activities in parallel. The role provides significant access to senior leaders within Network Rail and is an excellent platform for personal development and progression; the previous three post-holders have secured direct promotions from their achievements in the role.

About the role (External)

In this role you will seek out and secure on behalf of Network Rail, contract and supplier arrangements that provide goods and services necessary for efficient and sustainable operation of the business. You will apply specialist knowledge in a particular business management or category group, enabling the delivery of strategic procurement and effective post contract management.

Key Accountabilities

1. Manage complex contracts, business processes or technical activities to achieve the most efficient and effective delivery of goods, works and services.

2. Manage internal and external stakeholders to understand future business strategies and maintain up-to-date supply and demand plans.

3. Collect, review, analyse and maintain business , contract and supplier performance data and use it to support contract delivery

4. Manage customer and supplier relationships for relevant specialist areas.

5. Manage the day-to-day governance of spend in relevant category or business areas.

6. Manage the development of commercial strategies to better incentivise reliable supplier performance and drive supplier performance development programmes and sourcing activity effectiveness

7. Identify and implement quality and efficiency improvement initiatives.

8. Manage the engagement and development of individuals and of the team.

9. Manage and comply with company procedures to provide appropriate resources, communication strategies, training, and competency and evaluate fitness of staff to safely deliver their accountabilities., If you would like any reasonable adjustments support during your application or throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcing Team who will happily assist.

1. Below are some examples of adjustments we can make:

1. 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.
2. Changing a physical feature of our workplace
For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
3. 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!

The recruitment process will consist of shortlisted candidates being invited to take part in the following

• Able to lead a team and motivate team members.

• Extensive knowledge of the supply chain and the relevant supply contracts.

• Experience of contract and supplier management.

• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.

• Commercial and negotiation skills.

• Able to work under pressure.

• Good interpersonal, influencing, communication and organisational skills.

• A customer focussed approach.

• Able to evaluate complex factors and make decisions to maximise benefit to Network Rail.

• Strategic outlook, including the ability to fully analyse options and drive delivery of recommendations.

• Understanding and application of best practice supply chain management within relevant markets.

• Proven experience of managing 3rd party supplier relationships as well as relationships with key internal stakeholders.

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

Salary range: £46,701 to £53,589 per annum, depending on skills and experience.