Network Rail
Senior Buyer
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Who We Are
Join Our Team at Network Rail!
Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We're an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others. 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.
About our people and the recruitment process
We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.
Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!
Click here to learn about our vision for a simpler, better, greener railway, and here to learn about our approach to safety and how it's at the heart of everything we do.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Route Services
Route Services is a division of Network Rail that provides the Routes with services so they can help Network Rail deliver a better railway for a better Britain. We support the Routes with a myriad of services and supplies they need to maintain and operate the railway, to learn more, please click here to watch our video.
About The Role
Vacancy type: This role is a permanent role.
Location: This position is based in The Quadrant, Milton Keynes.
Hours: 35 hours per week with hybrid working (whilst initial training is completed 4 days a week in the office then 3 days a week) with some travel to supplier sites and other NR operational sites as required. Flexible working can be considered.
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Salary range: Band 4C, £43,588 to £53,167 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
Closing date: 13 October 2026. Late applicants will not be accepted. This role is being advertised internally and externally.
You will need to complete a supporting statement addressing how you meet the essential criteria, please complete this as part of the application process and add this to your CV in one document. Applicants who do not complete this statement will not be shortlisted. Please see attached guide - How to complete Supporting Statement.
If you cannot access the guide, please contact RSResourcing@networkrail.co.uk and we will send you a copy.
At Network Rail you will have a clear development path, access to training and enjoy a range of employee benefits, such as; up to 28 days annual leave, rail travel subsidies, a range of pension options, flexible and agile working arrangements, discounts on shopping, gym memberships and much more. Find out more about our benefits.
Click 'apply for this job' to apply. If you would like to speak the Resourcing Team, please contact RSResourcing@networkrail.co.uk.
If you would like some reasonable adjustments support during your application or the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcing Team who will happily assist. For further information https://www.networkrail.co.uk/careers/how-we-recruit/
Below Are Some Examples Of Adjustments We Can Make
- Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done'. For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online, tasks or interviews as needed.
- Changing a physical feature of our workplace. For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs.
- Providing extra equipment or assistance. For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available.
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There are lots of other adjustments we can consider - please just ask!
The recruitment process will consist of shortlisted candidates being invited to take part in the following.
Competency Based Interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by phone or email.
Key Accountabilities
Your experience and skills
Will Have Experience In The Following
- Develop and implement individual project and steady state contracting strategy proposals including preparation and evaluation of tender documents and negotiation of contracts.
- Provide post contract commercial management support for a range of contracts.
- Provide dedicated support to senior staff in respect of individual projects and/or contract/commercial issues, including 'rapid response' to potential contract disputes.
- Target specific goods, services and/or suppliers to identify how tangible improvements may be made in the procurement of these goods and services.
- Undertake regular contract management meetings with key stakeholders and suppliers to monitor whether maximum value was delivered via contract.
- Manage responsibilities for endorsements and approval of contract variations
- Provide all services to programme/project teams in a timely and cost effective manner and contribute positively towards the achievement of programme/project objectives
What are the essential skills and experience we're looking for?
Essential
- Recognised skills in contractual and commercial matters, with credibility and experience to act as advisor to other staff.
- Successful procurement background with practical intermediate level experience.
- Contributed towards maintaining successful relationships with suppliers.
- Knowledge of relevant contract terms.
- Strong negotiation skills.
We Would Also Like, But It's Not Essential
Desirable
- Membership of appropriate professional institution.
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