AMS PSR

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Senior Procurement Manager - Inside IR35 for a 3 month contract (possible extension) based Hybrid working (2 days per week in Manchester, Birmingham, Milton Keynes or London Waterloo office and remaining WFH)

Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From Crossrail – Europe’s largest civil engineering project – to investment in world-class stations and major programmes of electrification, we are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. We at Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain's best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!

Overview

DWP is seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to provide cover for a long-term absence on an initial 3-month contract, with a strong likelihood of extension up to 12 months.

The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering procurement and commercial activities across infrastructure projects and framework-based procurements. The role will involve developing procurement strategies, managing framework agreements, leading end-to-end procurement exercises, supporting pre-procurement activities, and ensuring compliance with governance and regulatory requirements.

This position requires a commercially focused procurement professional who can operate autonomously, manage complex stakeholder relationships, and work effectively within a high-pressure environment while maintaining strict confidentiality.

The main duties and responsibilities of the Senior Procurement Manager would be to:

• Develop and implement procurement and commercial strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
• Leadend-to-end procurement activities including:
  • Pre-procurement planning
  • Market engagement
  • Pre-qualification activities
  • Tender management
  • Evaluation and moderation
  • Contract negotiation
  • Contract award and mobilisation
• Establish and manage procurement frameworks and call-off arrangements.
• Support procurement activities relating to major infrastructure projects.
• Deliver pre-procurement planning and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Provide commercial and procurement advice to internal stakeholders.
• Influence procurement and subcontracting decisions to achieve best value outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, governance requirements, Network Rail policies, and relevant procurement directives.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities and efficiency improvements.
• Manage multiple procurement projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Produce procurement documentation, reports and analysis using Excel, Word and other business tools.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders across the business.

Essential:

• Significant experience in procurement, commercial management and/or contract management.
• Proven experience developing and implementing procurement strategies.
• Strong commercial awareness and supplier management experience.
• Experience leading framework-based procurements and managing framework agreements.
• Knowledge of public-sector procurement and tendering processes.
• Understanding of EU Procurement Directives.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong analytical capability, particularly advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience negotiating contracts and delivering commercial outcomes.
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure and manage challenging stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• High levels of professionalism, discretion and confidentiality.
• Understanding of Procurement Act 2023” please.

Desirable Skills & Experience:

• Network Rail procurement experience.
• Rail industry procurement knowledge (non-operational).
• Infrastructure procurement experience.
• Knowledge of Crown Commercial Service (CCS) Frameworks.
• NEC contract knowledge and practical experience.
• Experience using Bravo or similar eTendering platforms (e.g. Jaggaer).
• Experience using procurement analytics and reporting tools.
• MCIPS/CIPS qualification
• Degree-level education

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident

As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Network Rail guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

Network Rail guarantees to interview veterans or spouses / partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates / military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following "this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different".