Description & Requirements
On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Senior Buyer - (INSIDE IR35) for a 4-month contract working on a hybrid basis and with an expectation of min 2 days attendance in the Birmingham office
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!
Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We're an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others
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
In the North West & Central Region, we’re proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know that inclusive teams make better decisions, drive innovation, and help us create a safer, more accessible railway for everyone. Even if you don’t meet every single requirement, we encourage you to apply. If you’re passionate about making a difference and believe you have the skills or potential to thrive in this role, we’d love to hear from you. We’re committed to creating an open, supportive environment where everyone feels they belong. Your unique perspective and experience could be exactly what we need to keep Britain moving safely and sustainably
Description
To implement and monitor agreed strategies for commodity area including development of individual contracts and undertaking procurement, negotiation and contracting.
As a Senior Buyer - (INSIDE IR35), your main responsibilities will be:
Lead the development and delivery of sourcing and contracting strategies across projects and business-as-usual requirements, including the preparation, evaluation and negotiation of tenders and contracts.
Provide robust commercial and post-contract management support, ensuring contract performance, value delivery and effective supplier relationships through regular stakeholder and supplier engagement.
Support senior stakeholders on complex procurement, contractual and commercial matters, including the timely resolution of disputes and issues.
Identify opportunities to improve procurement outcomes, drive value and enhance supplier performance across key spend areas
Manage contract variations and approvals in line with governance requirements, while delivering responsive, cost-effective procurement support that contributes to the successful achievement of programme and project objectives.
To be considered for this role, please ensure your CV evidences the following essential criteria.
Essential
Recognised skills in contractual and commercial matters, with credibility and experience to act as advisor to other staff.
Successful procurement background with practical intermediate level experience.
Contributed towards maintaining successful relationships with suppliers.
Knowledge of relevant contract terms.
Strong negotiation skills.
Desirable
Membership of appropriate professional institution.
Public Sector procurement experience
Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023
NEC contract experience.
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.'