Network Rail

Strategic Supplier Manager - C&P

Location

Milton Keynes, GB

Department Name

ET RS CP Commercial (571009) G1

About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Brief Description

Location: This role is based in the Quadrant: MK. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes.

Band & Salary: Band 2B £ 71,163- £ 84,437

Interview Dates: - Interviews will be held on the 9th and 10th December 2025.

Who are we looking for?

Are you interested in shaping the way that Network Rail manages Suppliers across the Infrastructure portfolio? If so, this role is an exciting move to explore and is an opportunity to work with a diverse range of stakeholders to influence genuine change.

This strategic role is in our Route Services Commercial and Procurement function. You will be leading a team delivering Supplier and Commercial Management, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to deliver a strategic plan that supports our activity.

To succeed in this role, you will need to demonstrate experience of leading Supplier Management teams, with a proven background and ability to manage supplier performance across a range of Infrastructure categories, underpinned by high levels of adaptability and resilience when working under pressure.

About the role (External)

In this high-impact position, you’ll manage supplier performance, disputes & claims, savings and continuous improvement targets, relationship development, whilst also being able to effectively manage all contract, regulatory, risk-reward and exit strategy requirements.

You will also mentor and collaborate with other team members, sharing your expertise to build and lead a strong, high-performing team, applying effective programme management and prioritisation techniques to meet targets whilst maximising team capacity and capabilities.

You will collaborate closely with a wide range of stakeholders throughout Network Rail and with our suppliers to drive the fullest overall cost, risk, relationship and performance value, bringing your expertise to every decision, and be able to showcase high levels of adaptability and resilience when working under pressure.

About the team

You’ll be joining a supportive, passionate 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.

What does the average day look like?

• Leadership of the national Infrastructure supplier portfolio, utilising the full implementation of the Procurement Management Framework (PMF) and the Commercial Management Framework (CMF), to include the development of supplier joint account plans, claims management, savings and continuous improvement targets, relationship development modelling whilst meeting all contract, regulatory, risk-reward and exit strategy requirements
• Establish a collaborative way of working with suppliers, relevant customers and stakeholders to drive the fullest overall cost, risk, relationship and performance value. Support the operational owners of the contracts in their day-to-day accountabilities with their supplier/s. Regular engagement with the Procurement and Category Management teams to effectively manage future pipeline activities and joint development of strategies.
• Oversee the team’s adherence to the C&P Policy and all associated corporate governance / assurance for the infrastructure portfolio
• Identification of evolving business requirements throughout the contract and relationship life cycle, to include contract change and demand management activities
• Recognised for their Supplier Management expertise, providing specialist advice to the team and wider stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor, and develop supplier managers / supplier contract specialists to enhance capability, performance, resilience and team engagement. Identify skill gaps, provide training, and prepare future leaders within the team.
• Ensure optimal distribution of workload and resources across the supplier management team, to enable deliver of key priorities with adaptability and agility.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and act as the primary escalation point for strategic supplier issues.
• Oversee transparent and well managed supplier performance, ensuring compliance with contracts and regulations.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate supply chain risks, including financial, operational, safety and performance risks.
• Drive innovation and value: Lead the collaboration with internal stakeholders and suppliers to find opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and innovation. Delivery of on-going and significant savings throughout the contract and relationship life cycle, underpinned by leadership of incremental cost, service and overall value derivation.
• Oversee transparent and well managed supplier mobilisation and contract performance, ensuring cross-functional alignment, customer satisfaction and learnings.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to a degree standard or equivalent and MCIPS qualified (or equivalent professional body with chartered status)
• Experience of leading supplier contracts and relationships with senior level engagement
• Line management experience, with evidence of building high performing teams
• Solution driven, innovator, cost and value led
• Experience with cross-functional collaborative working methods
• Politically aware, with the ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies
• Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience and in large, complex organisations
• Relationship, cost, risk and value led, with the ability to deliver significant defined relationship and commercial value
• The ability to manage multiple programmes, targets and priorities, whilst demonstrating strong levels of resilience under pressure and adaptability

Please see attached job description for full details.

Desirable Criteria

• Detailed knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, including procurement processes in a reclassified environment

How to apply (External)

Salary: £ 71,163- £ 84,437 per annum

Closing date: 26/11/2025. - Late applications will not be accepted.

Click apply now to apply.

For this role you need to live within 75/90 minutes of The Quadrant in Milton Keynes.

You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.

Network Rail Benefits - To find out about what benefits we offer, click here

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

• Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.****

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