Senior Buyer

On behalf of Network Rail, we are looking for Senior Buyer x 2 for a 8 month contract based hybrid in either London Puddle Dock or Basingstoke. Office attendance is 3 days a week.

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!

Role Profile:

This is an exciting opportunity for Senior Buyers who thrive in complex public sector environments and want to influence high-value procurement projects that directly support the UK's rail infrastructure.

Working within a collaborative and experienced commercial team, you will lead procurement activities from sourcing strategy through tender evaluation and contract award, helping to deliver best value, compliance, and commercial excellence across a diverse portfolio of services and works.

As a Senior Buyer , your main responsibilities will be to:

- Develop and implement procurement and sourcing strategies aligned to business objectives .
- Lead end-to-end tender processes in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 and public procurement regulations.
- Conduct supplier engagement and pre-market activities.
- Prepare and evaluate tender documentation.
- Negotiate contractual and commercial terms.
- Produce high-quality strategy papers and procurement recommendations.
- Support governance and approval processes for high-value procurements.
- Build effective relationships with key stakeholders, project teams and suppliers.
- Provide commercial advice and support across multiple procurement projects.
- Drive value for money, sustainability and social value outcomes throughout procurement activities.

Essential:

- Strong public sector procurement experience.
- Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and public procurement procedures.
- Experience managing high-value service or works procurements.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Strong planning, organisation and project management ability.
- Understanding of NEC3 and/or NEC4 contracts.
- CIPS qualification or working towards MCIPS.

Desirable:

- Experience within transport, infrastructure, utilities, rail, construction, engineering or wider public sector organisations.
- Experience of using Jaggaer or understanding of Oracle applications.

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".