Procurement Manager

On behalf of The Department for Transport Operator (DFTO) , we are looking for a Interim Procurement Manager (Outside IR35) for a 6 month contract until the end of March 2027 based in London 2 days week in the office ideally Tuesdays and Thursdays .

DfT Operator Limited (DFTO) is the UK government's public sector rail-owning group and delivery partner tasked with bringing privately-owned passenger rail services back into public ownership ahead of the creation of Great British Railways (GBR

At DFTO We are seeking an experienced Interim Procurement Manager to join a busy procurement function and lead the delivery of a diverse portfolio of procurement projects within a regulated environment. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with stakeholders across the organisation, driving commercially sound, compliant, and value-focused procurement outcomes.

You will be responsible for managing end-to-end procurement activity, ensuring sourcing exercises are delivered efficiently, in accordance with relevant regulations, governance requirements, and organisational objectives .

As a Interim Procurement Manager , your main responsibilities will be:

- Act as the primary procurement contact for an assigned portfolio of projects and business areas.
- Manage and maintain a forward procurement pipeline, ensuring upcoming requirements are accurately captured, prioritised, and aligned to the appropriate sourcing route.
- Partner with stakeholders to understand business needs, challenge requirements where appropriate, and develop effective procurement strategies.
- Lead end-to-end procurement exercises from initiation through to contract award.
- Develop sourcing strategies that deliver value for money while ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and governance requirements.
- Provide commercial advice and challenge to support informed decision -making and effective risk allocation.
- Identify opportunities for aggregation, standardisation, and category efficiencies across procurement activity.
- Lead supplier engagement and market testing activities to inform sourcing strategies and maximise competition .
- Prepare procurement documentation, manage tender processes, and oversee evaluations through approved e-sourcing platforms.
- Manage the Declaration of Interest process and maintain robust procurement records to support audit and governance requirements.
- Produce contract award recommendations and obtain all necessary approvals through governance processes.
- Support supplier onboarding and contract mobilisation activities to ensure successful implementation.
- Capture, monitor, and report procurement savings, benefits, and value delivered.
- Build effective relationships with stakeholders, suppliers, governance boards, finance teams, and the wider procurement function.
- Provide procurement guidance and coaching to stakeholders, promoting best practice and compliance throughout the organisation

Essential:

- Proven experience leading regulated procurement exercises from strategy development through to contract award.
- Experience working within utilities, transport or public sector environments.
- Strong understanding of procurement regulations, governance frameworks, and compliance requirements PA23
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent procurement projects and competing priorities.
- Experience preparing governance papers, approval submissions, and procurement recommendations.
- Excellent commercial, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience managing procurement governance throughout the full commercial lifecycle.
- Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
- Experience using e-sourcing and digital procurement platforms, such as Medius or equivalent systems.

Desirable:

- MCIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS accreditation.
- Experience using CCS and other public sector procurement frameworks.
- Familiarity with services agreements and supporting contract reviews alongside legal teams.
- Previous rail operator or wider rail industry procurement experience.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, DfTO encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent candidates . Applications from candidates who identify as having a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.

Armed Forces Covenant

As a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, DfTO welcome applications from veterans, service leavers, reservists and military spouses or partners. Applications from eligible candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role will be prioritised for review. Where application volumes are high, additional role-specific and desirable criteria may be applied as part of the 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".