Procurement Manager - Engineering

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Finance

SALARY : Circa £56,000 per annum / ML2:SB1

ROLE TYPE: Hybrid

HOURS: 37 per week

LOCATION: York

Procurement Manager – Engineering

With over £465 million of annual supply chain spend, procurement at Northern is about more than contracts and cost savings – it’s a chance to shape the future of rail in the North. As our new Procurement Manager (Engineering), you’ll lead a small, skilled team delivering contracts that keep our railway running – from engineering spares and specialist tooling to complex systems, software and major commodities. This is a strategic, hands-on role where you’ll see the impact of your work every day. You’ll be part of a collaborative, forward-thinking procurement team focused on delivering value, driving innovation and making sure our engineering teams have the tools and materials they need to succeed.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll own and manage a portfolio of engineering procurement categories, working with stakeholders across multiple functions to support their project pipelines. That includes leading compliant procurement activity, shaping sourcing strategies, and ensuring every contract delivers against cost, quality and time objectives. Your day to day could include:

• Building and delivering detailed procurement programmes for major engineering projects – with clear timelines and milestones
• Proposing and implementing procurement strategies in partnership with key stakeholders
• Producing tender documentation and managing the procurement process from start to finish
• Identifying the most effective solutions and securing all necessary approvals
• Providing clear progress reports and updates to senior stakeholders
• Managing and mentoring your procurement engineering team to ensure projects land successfully

About You

You’ve led procurement in complex, regulated environments and have experience with technical or engineering-related categories. You understand the pressures of keeping operations running and know how to deliver procurement activity that supports both day-to-day needs and long-term goals. You’ll bring:

• Strong procurement experience in engineering, technical or capital-intensive environments
• Confidence navigating legal frameworks such as the Procurement Act 2023, Utilities & Public Contracts Regulations 2016
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and a strong sense of ownership
• The ability to influence and collaborate with people at all levels – from engineers on the ground to senior leadership
• Excellent communication skills – able to explain complex ideas clearly and persuasively
• Provide support and mentorship to others within the team and wider function

If you’ve got MCIPS or are working towards it, great – but it’s not essential. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, work collaboratively and make things happen.

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 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.
• 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 2,500 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, after which rail quickly spread across the globe – and this year, we’re celebrating 200 years of the modern railway. As we look back on the historic events that led us here, we also look towards the future as we move into the era of Great British Rail. 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.