BUSINESS FUNCTION: Finance
SALARY: £52,000 – £61,000 / Grade: ML2:SB1
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: York, Manchester or Leeds
HOURS: 37 per week
Keeping trains running smoothly takes more than tracks and timetables. Behind the scenes, smart procurement decisions help make every journey possible. From sourcing the right technology to building strong supplier relationships, this role sits at the heart of how Northern delivers for customers every day.
As part of the Procurement team, you’d be shaping how we buy, manage and improve the IT services that keep the business running. With a focus on Information Technology your work will help teams across Northern do their best work – efficiently, compliantly, and with real value for money.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll take the lead on sourcing and managing IT contracts, making sure everything runs smoothly from first idea through to delivery and ongoing supplier management
- Owning all procurement activities for central IT spend
- Challenging specifications to make sure they’re fit for purpose and deliver real value
- Running end-to-end tender processes, from pre-market engagement through to contract negotiation and award
- Evaluating bids and leading commercial negotiations with suppliers to secure the best outcomes for the organisation
- Acting as a trusted procurement partner for teams across the business, developing strong stakeholder relationships.
- Managing suppliers throughout the contract lifecycle, establishing appropriate governance and leveraging it to improve performance, reduce costs and strengthen the supply chain
About you
Procurement, negotiation, contract management and relationship-building – that’s your toolkit. You know how to balance compliance with commercial thinking, and you’re comfortable working with people at all levels.
Here’s what you’ll bring:
- A solid track record in IT (particularly Software & Services) procurement within complex organisations
- Experience managing multiple procurement workstreams within large-scale programmes and influencing key stakeholders
- Confidence working autonomously, running competitive tenders, negotiating detailed contracts and proactively managing long-term supplier relationships to drive value and delivery
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence and collaborate across teams
- The ability to manage your own workload and prioritise effectively
- A focus on value – whether that’s cost savings, quality improvements or long-term partnerships
Working towards, or already holding, a Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification would be a bonus, but it’s not essential, as with public sector procurement experience.
What’s in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
