About Network Rail...
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you are not just part of a team - you are 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. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we will 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 would 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
Plus more....
Vacancy Details
Duration: Permanent
Location: This role is based in This role is based in The Quadrant Milton Keynes. This role 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 - £67,813
What does the average day look like?
On a typical day, you'll be managing a portfolio of complex, high-value contracts, ensuring they deliver on both commercial and operational commitments. You'll work closely with suppliers to develop joint account plans, foster innovation, and drive improvements that go beyond the original contract. You'll also collaborate with Sourcing colleagues to support the development and execution of robust sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and deliver value. Collaboration will be at the heart of your role, whether that's engaging stakeholders across different routes and regions, negotiating cost savings, or ensuring smooth service delivery. You'll also play a key part in shaping continuous improvement, managing contract changes, and building strong, joined-up supplier relationships that support Network Rail's long-term vision and ambition to be best in class.
About the team..
You'll be joining a supportive 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.
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a collaborative and commercially minded Supplier Manager to help us get the best from our key supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience managing supplier performance, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring contracts deliver real value. You will be confident working with stakeholders in a complex environment, able to influence at all levels, and committed to supporting Network Rail's mission of delivering a safe, reliable, and efficient railway.
Essential Criteria
- Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience
- Deep level of Procurement experience, to include Supplier Management
- Demonstrable experience of contract law and financial management
- Demonstrable level of negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
- Demonstrable experience of driving value from complex supplier contracts and relationships
- Ability to deliver defined relationship and commercial value and deliver continuous improvement value
- Experienced with agile cross-functional collaborative working methods
- Politically savvy, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies at an executive level
- Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience of complex supplier 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
- Demonstrable experience in developing and managing contract-aligned continuous improvement activities, demand pipeline assessments, and annual customer satisfaction surveys
- Demonstrable experience of applying governance and risk management frameworks to supplier contracts and relationships.
- Experience collaborating with Sourcing teams to develop and implement effective sourcing strategies that deliver commercial value.
- Experience of managing collaborating with Sourcing teams to develop and implement effective sourcing strategies that deliver commercial value.
- Experience collaborating with stakeholders to drive or deliver measurable benefit and support strategic business plans.
- Experience managing Facilities Management contracts alongside other complex supplier contracts.
Additional Information...
Closing date: 16 th July. 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 20 th July, 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
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
