Head of Commercial & Procurement Assurance

Are you interested in improving the way that Network Rail carries out its commercial and procurement activities? Do you have experience of working under the public procurement regulations? If so, this role could be the perfect next step in your career. With opportunities to help inform critical procurement and contract management activities and to undertake reviews of commercial and procurement functions across the organisation - this role provides an exciting chance to work with a diverse range of stakeholders and influence genuine change.

Are you passionate about doing the right things the right way?

An amazing opportunity has arisen to join as the Head of Commercial & Procurement Assurance. This is a high-profile, critical role in our Procurement Operations team and reports directly into the Procurement Operations Director. This is a fantastic time to be joining the team; this role is fundamental to Commercial & Procurement’s (C&P) ambitions to meeting our strategic objectives. You will lead an experienced team of C&P professionals and provide high quality risk and assurance leadership and advice to a range of stakeholders, whilst facilitating improvement in our risk management and assurance maturity.

The Assurance Team leads the design and delivery of C&P’s assurance strategy. It ensures the effective delivery of assurance activities across all aspects of the procurement lifecycle. You will work closely with pre and post contract practitioners as well as legal colleagues to deliver a brilliant service that protects our company’s interests.

If you have a successful track record as a senior manager and have deep understanding of C&P assurance processes and policies, then this could be the ideal role for you.

To help you find out more about the role we have created a candidate pack, linked below, which gives you an insight into what it’s like to work at Network Rail including our purpose, our culture and values, pay and benefits, learning and development and how we create an inclusive environment for all., To lead the Commercial Profession driving best practice, expertise, assurance & consistency in the capabilities of the people, process & systems deployed in the pre and post contract commercial stewardship of the C&P portfolio. Lead the thinking and engagement with key business stakeholders, industry & academia to create & maintain an effective, sustainable and professional commercial discipline, compliant with relevant legal, corporate and regulatory requirements whilst meeting contract & strategic objectives.

• Must hold a Chartered Membership qualification recognised by relevant international bodies (e.g. CQI, IRCA etc) or exceptionally equivalent experience.


• Strong commercial aptitude with high personal and professional standards and be able to act as role model to inspire others.


• The ability to balance stakeholder expectations against the needs and capabilities of the business and suppliers.


• Significant knowledge of various standard forms of contract and their application.


• Thorough knowledge of contract requirements, safety and environment.


• Thorough knowledge of EU and UK procurement legislation and regulations governing railways


• Advanced influencing and negotiation skills to develop mutually beneficial relationships


Desirable


• Wide and successful commercial management background either in rail or construction industry with extensive experience at a senior level. of contract and supplier management


• Educated to degree level.


• Experience of contracts and procurement processes and procedures within Network Rail.
  
  We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by clicking here.


Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!

About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.

Employees will be entitled to a 75% discount off leisure travel this includes off peak and super off-peak tickets. Employees will also be entitled to 75% discount on season tickets.