Head of Procurement & Commercial Strategy

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On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for a Head of Procurement & Commercial Strategy for a 12 month hybrid contract based King Cross London or York.

The successful candidate will have an expectation of 3 days in the office per week and the remainder working from home.

Network Rail is at the heart of revitalising Britain’s railway. From Crossrail – Europe’s largest civil engineering project – to investment in world-class stations and major programmes of electrification, we are involved in some of the most ambitious and diverse ventures that this country has ever seen. We at Network Rail are dedicated to becoming one of Britain's best employers and believe this starts with placing the candidate at the heart of everything we do!

As a Head of Procurement & Commercial Strategy , your main responsibilities will be:

- Lead complex , high-value procurement and commercial strategies across the region.
- Manage delivery of major procurement programmes, including large-scale professional services contracts.
- Drive supplier relationship management , performance improvement, and commercial value generation.
- Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, governance, audit, and assurance requirements.
- Identify, manage , and mitigate commercial, contractual, and supplier risks.
- Lead , coach, and develop a team of 8 commercial professionals to deliver strategic commercial outcomes and savings.

Essential:

- Strong knowledge of Network Rail procurement processes, governance frameworks and procurement regulations .
- Proven experience managing high-value, complex procurements , including delivery under the PA23 framework .
- Ability to hit the ground running , quickly navigating governance requirements and driving procurement activity.
- Extensive experience in commercial strategy, contract management and supplier relationship management .
- Demonstrated success leading and developing high-performing commercial teams .
- Exceptional stakeholder engagement, negotiation and commercial risk management skills.

Desirable:

- Previous Network Rail commercial or procurement experience .
- Experience delivering large-scale professional services procurements .
- MCIPS, MRICS or equivalent professional qualification.
- Degree educated or equivalent relevant experience.

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

Please note that Network Rail has a maximum 90-minute commute policy for all staff to the specified location for this role.

Network Rail is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. They welcome applications from everyone.

Disability Confident

As a Disability Confident employer, Network Rail 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, Network Rail 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".