Overview
About Network Rail – Join Network Rail, where people and connections matter. We are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. Our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. We value flexibility and a healthy work-life balance, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We are Disability Confident and provide accessibility support throughout the recruitment process. We welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Location: Milton Keynes, GB
Department: ET RS CP Sourcing (618684) G2
Vacancy details
Duration: 2 permanent positions in the Technology Sourcing Team
Location: The Quadrant MK – full-time role; flexible working patterns considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes.
Band & Salary: Band 3C £55,596 – £65,966
What we are looking for
We are seeking a commercially astute and driven Sourcing Manager to join our Procurement team. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in strategic sourcing with a proven ability to deliver value and ensure compliance across complex procurement projects. Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with a good understanding of public sector procurement regulations.
About the role
You’ll join a supportive Commercial & Procurement team that collaborates with stakeholders across the business to deliver value for money, ensure compliance, and support strategic objectives. It’s a fast-paced environment where ideas are valued and professional development is encouraged. You will lead complex, high-value sourcing projects – particularly across indirect procurement – from shaping requirements through to contract signature, delivering meaningful commercial outcomes. You’ll implement category strategies, negotiate contracts, manage risk and governance in a regulated environment, support smooth handover to supplier management teams, and contribute to continuous improvement across the sourcing function. You will work with a focus on collaboration, inclusion, and delivering value beyond expectations, helping unlock savings and improve railway efficiency.
Responsibilities
* Lead complex, high-value sourcing projects across indirect procurement from requirements definition to contract signature.
* Implement category strategies, negotiate contracts, and drive value from the supplier market.
* Manage risk and governance in a regulated environment; support handover to supplier management teams.
* Collaborate with stakeholders across functions and regions; contribute to continuous improvement in the sourcing function.
* Ensure compliance with public sector procurement regulations and internal policies.
Essential Criteria
* Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience
* Deep level of Sourcing experience with a proven track record of savings delivery
* Strong negotiation and dispute resolution skills
* Experience of contract law and financial management
* Experience driving value from complex sourcing opportunities
* Experience with agile cross-functional collaborative working methods
* Politically savvy with ability to influence at executive levels
* Problem-solving experience for complex sourcing challenges
* Completer-finisher mindset
Desirable Criteria
* Line management experience
* Detailed knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, including procurement processes in a reclassified environment
How to apply (External) / Additional information
Closing date: Friday 27 March. We may close the advert early based on application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Next steps: Interviews will be held W/C 13 April, depending on business requirements.
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail; applicants should be able to demonstrate awareness of our Safety Vision.
Benefits
Some of our great benefits include:
* Flexible/hybrid working arrangements
* Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with option to buy/sell
* Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass
* Defined benefit pension scheme
* Subsidised train tickets (up to 75%)
* Interest-free travel loan for season tickets
* Volunteer leave to make a positive impact
* Plus more…
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