This advert is placed on behalf of Pullman Rail, a subsidiary of Transport for Wales
Closing Date: 15/04/2026
Permanent Opportunity
Equal Opportunities
At Pullman Rail we value diversity. It makes us stronger, helps us understand our customers better, make better decisions and be more innovative. Everyone’s different and has their own perspective so we’re building a diverse team that mirrors the communities we serve. Through this we’re determined to be one of Wales' leading inclusive employers.
Who we are
Pullman Rail is a specialist engineering company based in Cardiff with a proud heritage in rail vehicle maintenance, refurbishment and overhaul. As part of the UK rail industry, we have built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality engineering solutions to a wide range of customers, including train operating companies and rolling stock owners across the country. Operating from our purpose-built facility in Cardiff, we provide comprehensive services including vehicle overhauls, heavy maintenance, component repairs and system upgrades. Our site is equipped with heavy lifting equipment, dedicated workshops and testing facilities, enabling us to deliver full turnkey solutions for rail fleets. Our skilled teams of engineers, technicians and support staff are committed to safety, quality and continuous improvement. We take pride in supporting the reliability and performance of the UK’s rail network and we are proud to contribute to the industrial and economic strength of South Wales.
The Role
The Head of Procurement, Planning and Logistics is responsible for leading the end-to-end supply chain function, setting strategic direction and ensuring the control framework to support operational excellence. This role ensures the efficient procurement of materials and services, effective production planning, and the reliable movement and storage of goods to support manufacturing, overhaul and maintenance activities. The post holder will develop and implement supply chain strategies that ensure cost control, quality compliance, and on-time delivery – supporting operational performance and customer commitments.
Role responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Leadership and Strategy
* Management of supplier relationships and contracts to drive best value and ensure supply chain resilience to meet customer needs. This includes market scanning and sourcing solutions, active risk management, fostering collaborative partnerships and innovation.
* Overseeing demand and production planning, working with the Commercial, Engineering and Operations leadership to control inventory levels and ensure timely availability of components, materials and services.
* Visible and strategic leadership of the Procurement, Planning, Logistics and Stores teams, equipping the team to support operations through a robust service delivery model and support framework. The role holder will champion safety and quality excellence, upholding the Safety, Quality and Procurement Managements systems adherence, and in compliance with industry and legal requirements.
* Lead, develop and mentor team members through regular performance management, personal development planning, one-to-one meetings and ongoing support to build capability and ensure high performance in support of the company’s growth and reputation for reliability within the public transport sectors.
Procurement and Supplier Management
* Lead end-to-end procurement (materials, sub-contracts and services) in line with governance and delegated authority.
* Drive value for money through sourcing, negotiation, frameworks and KPIs—balancing safety, quality, innovation and cost.
* Build robust supplier relationships, run regular performance reviews, and lead improvement initiatives to reduce cost and improve delivery and quality.
Planning
* Lead planning to forecast material needs against maintenance and production plans.
* Align engineering, production and procurement to meet maintenance priorities.
* Maintain demand and materials plans to support delivery and reduce supply risk.
Logistics and Stores Management
* Oversee logistics and stores operations to ensure the effective receipt, storage, control and distribution of materials to support operational activities.
* Ensure robust inventory management practices are in place, including stock control, optimisation of stock levels and minimisation of waste or obsolescence.
* Manage and coordinate internal stock checks and the annual audited stock take, liaising with external auditors where required.
* Ensure that logistics processes support efficient material flow across sites and projects, minimising delays to maintenance and production activities.
Governance, Compliance and Reporting
* Develop and maintain policies and procedures to support effective procurement, planning and logistics activities, including risk management and mitigation across the supply chain. 2 March 2026
* Oversee supplier accreditation processes and ensure supplier compliance with company and client standards.
* Manage and oversee supplier audit schedules and work closely with compliance teams to ensure the Quality, Safety and Compliance Management System (QSCMS) reflects current procurement and materials control practices.
* Prepare forecasts, management reports and regular spend and stock analysis to support informed decision-making and effective financial control.
Commercial and Business Support
* Provide procurement and supply chain support to estimators and bid managers by obtaining pricing and supply information for inclusion in tender submissions and future contract bids.
* Support the business in securing best value procurement solutions that align with commercial objectives and contractual requirements. In addition to the duties and responsibilities outlined, the post holder must be prepared to undertake additional duties which may result from changing circumstances, but which may not of necessity change the general character or level of responsibility to the post.
Who we’re looking for
* Proven experience in a senior leadership role overseeing procurement, planning, and logistics, preferably within the traction and rolling stock or rail industry.
* Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate multi-disciplinary teams across procurement, planning, logistics, and stores to achieve operational and strategic objectives.
* Demonstrable experience in sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier evaluation, and driving cost efficiency while ensuring quality, compliance, and ethical standards.
* Experience in demand forecasting, production and maintenance planning, inventory control, and logistics coordination to ensure materials and resources are available when needed.
* Experience in -analysing data, assess supplier performance, mitigate risks, and make informed decisions across procurement, planning, and logistics functions.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging suppliers, stakeholders, and teams, combined with proven ability to negotiate favourable contracts and terms.
QUALIFICATIONS & TRAINING
* Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.– essential.
* Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) certification or equivalent professional accreditation in procurement and supply chain management. – essential.
* Leadership or management qualification (e.g., ILM Level 5 or equivalent) – desirable.
Welsh Language Skills
The ability to speak/write Welsh would make a great addition to your application, but it is not essential for this role.
Next steps
Does this role sound like the opportunity you are looking for?
This advert will close at midnight on the day of the application closing date stated above. We do encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.
Please note, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.
Note that you must hold the permanent right to work in the UK. We are not currently able to provide sponsorship.