We are looking for a collaborative and commercially minded Supplier Manager to help us get the best from our key supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience managing supplier performance, driving continuous improvement, and ensuring contracts deliver real value. You will be confident working with stakeholders in a complex environment, able to influence at all levels, and committed to supporting Network Rail's mission of delivering a safe, reliable, and efficient railway.
About the role (External)
You’ll be joining a supportive and collaborative Commercial & Procurement team that plays a key role in keeping Britain’s railways running efficiently and safely. We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the business to deliver value for money, ensure compliance, and support strategic objectives. It’s a fast‑paced and dynamic environment where your ideas are valued and professional development is encouraged.
Average Day
On a typical day, you’ll be managing a portfolio of complex, high‑value contracts, ensuring they deliver on both commercial and operational commitments. You’ll work closely with suppliers to develop joint account plans, foster innovation, and drive improvements that go beyond the original contract. You’ll also collaborate with Sourcing colleagues to support the development and execution of robust sourcing strategies that align with business objectives and deliver value. Collaboration will be at the heart of your role, whether that’s engaging stakeholders across different routes and regions, negotiating cost savings, or ensuring smooth service delivery. You’ll also play a key part in shaping continuous improvement, managing contract changes, and building strong, joined‑up supplier relationships that support Network Rail’s long‑term vision and ambition to be best in class.
Responsibilities
* Manage a portfolio of complex, high‑value supplier contracts
* Ensure contracts deliver commercial and operational commitments
* Develop joint account plans with suppliers and drive innovation
* Collaborate with Sourcing colleagues on sourcing strategies
* Engage stakeholders across routes and regions, negotiate cost savings, and ensure smooth service delivery
* Shape continuous improvement and manage contract changes
* Build strong, joined‑up supplier relationships to support our long‑term vision
Qualifications
* Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience
* Deep level of Procurement experience, including Supplier Management
* Demonstrable experience of contract law and financial management
* Demonstrable negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
* Experience driving value from complex supplier contracts and relationships
* Ability to deliver defined relationship and commercial value and continuous improvement value
* Experience with agile cross‑functional collaborative working methods
* Politically savvy with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies at an executive level
* Problem‑solving experience for complex supplier‑specific challenges
* Completer‑finisher mindset
* Detailed knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, including procurement processes in a reclassified environment
* Experience developing and managing contract‑aligned continuous improvement activities, demand pipeline assessments, and annual customer satisfaction surveys
* Experience applying governance and risk management frameworks to supplier contracts and relationships
* Experience collaborating with Sourcing teams to develop and implement effective sourcing strategies that deliver commercial value
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
We are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. As a Disability Confident Leader, we will do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work‑life balance.
Benefits
* Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
* Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
Additional Information
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.
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