Head of Procurement

To lead the Region for Procurement, driving best practice processes and systems in areas of pre-contract management, maintaining compliance with appropriate legal and regulatory requirements. Monitor and measure compliance and adherence to regulatory requirements to provide assurance.

This role can based from Birmingham, Manchester or Milton Keynes.

About the role (External)

1. To manage the continuous improvement of deployed processes and systems that support pre and post contract management activities. Develop and implement programmes and initiatives to improve quality and efficiency.

2. To lead and inspire the procurement teams to maintain full engagement in meeting business objectives and provide specialist expertise to functional management on all procurement issues.

3. To lead and comply with company procedures to provide appropriate resources, communication strategies, training and competency including evaluating capability of staff to safely deliver their accountabilities in accordance with legal/regulatory requirements and corporate governance. Improve procurement staff capabilities.

4. To develop and improve co-ordination with other functions, maintain positive working relationships with Network Rail departments/functions and relevant regulatory & government bodies.

5. To provide specialist advice on all contract, procurement and commercial issues and maintain links with other functions so as to develop joint initiatives and deliver improvements including maintaining consistency in commercial approach to the supply market.

6. To define, develop and implement contracting and supplier strategies for a portfolio of up to £20BN over 5 years that mitigate supply market risks, working with other Network Rail functions in order to maximise commercial advantage for the company as a whole.

7. To lead the stewardship of the Procurement profession, establishing routes and pathways for professional development and external professional qualification.

• 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.


• Membership or Fellowship of relevant professional institution (either CIPS or RICS)


• Thorough knowledge of contract requirements safety and environment.


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


We would also like but it isn’t crucial to have/to be:

• Wide and successful management background either in rail or construction industry with extensive


• experience at a senior level of procurement and contracting.


• Educated to degree level.


• Experience of contracts and procurement processes and procedures within Network Rail.


• Experience of NEC forms of contract


• Effective team & people management
  
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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.

We're also a Disability Confident Leader employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.

You will be part of the North West & Central Region (NW&C) which consist of three routes – North West, Central and West Coast South – and a regional team supporting Regional Major Programmes & Professional services.