Great Western Railway (GWR)
Senior Procurement Manager
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Senior Procurement Manager
Salary up to £65,000, depending on skills and experience, plus an excellent benefits package.
About the Team
As one of the largest train companies in Britain, we welcome over 100 million customers per year on board.
When the Great Western Railway was built, it transformed trade and tourism across the West and Wales. Today, alongside partners at Network Rail, we’re proud to care for your railway.
We’ve electrified key routes, upgraded stations, and completed one of the largest train upgrades in the UK.
The Procurement team is vital to Great Western Railway’s (GWR) success. We deliver strategic sourcing and supplier management that drives business success.
Our vision: To be a trusted partner, enabling our business to secure value for money every time.
At GWR, we invest in our colleagues’ professional growth. As a Senior Procurement Manager, you’ll enjoy:
- Structured career progression paths.
- Opportunities to:
- Enhance skills,
- Take on greater responsibilities, or
- Pursue leadership positions.
- Dedicated support for your career development at every stage.
About the Role
The Senior Procurement Manager will:
- Lead complex procurement projects, including tenders across all spend areas.
- Work with the team under the oversight of the Head of Procurement.
Required Attributes
Preferred candidates will demonstrate experience in:
- The Procurement Act 2023.
- Line management.
- Strategic procurement.
- Contract negotiation.
- Contract management.
Key Responsibilities
You will lead and support your direct reports, fostering each member’s full potential.
- Develop and implement effective sourcing strategies to maximise the through-life value for money of our contracts.
- Lead and manage complex regulated (Procurement Act 2023 compliant) procurement exercises.
- Build expert knowledge of the supplier marketplace within your assigned categories to strengthen credibility with internal stakeholders.
- Develop and maintain relationships with:
- Internal stakeholders at GWR,
- First Group partners,
- External stakeholders.
- Support Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) activities to drive efficiency, cost savings, and benefits.
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Commercial negotiations cover:
- New requirements,
- Contract renewals (especially complex ones).
Operational Requirement
-
Tender Management
Manage all aspects of:
- Drafting tenders,
- Issuing promptly,
- Evaluation.
-
Contract Management
Have demonstrated experience in post-award contract management.
-
Communication & Organisation
- Strong communication skills (both written and verbal).
- Excellent time-management and workload prioritisation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with strong skills in Excel and Word.
-
Proactive Engagement
- Drive projects independently.
- Report updates to all stakeholders.
The Reward
In addition to a supportive team and training, all GWR colleagues benefit from:
- Continuous professional development support.
- Defined benefit pension scheme via the Railways Pension Scheme.
- Free rail travel across the entire GWR network for employees and families.
- A company-sponsored healthcare plan.
- Discounted shopping and gym membership benefits.
- Employee assistance programmes.
- Much more.
About You
The following minimum requirements apply:
- Public sector procurement experience.
- MCIPS qualification, or degree-level education in a relevant field (or equivalent).
- Proficiency in European/UK procurement legislation.
- A detailed understanding of contract law (e.g., NEC, JCT, and other industry-standard contract forms).
- Proven ability to:
- Develop strong relationships with internal/external senior stakeholders.
- Manage supplier chain relationships and monitor supplier performance.
- Excellent organisational and analytical data management skills.
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About the Location
Base location: Milford House, Swindon.
As part of the benefits package, free rail travel on the GWR network is included.
Additional Information
This is a full-time, permanent position.
Application
Apply online via: GWR Careers Portal
If you encounter application issues, please email gwrrecruitment@gwr.com.
Commitment to Inclusion
At GWR, we believe Everyone Belongs.
- We celebrate diversity and provide equal opportunities for all.
- Differences in age, gender, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, religious beliefs, and disability are valued.
- We have zero tolerance for prejudice in all forms.
Our Inclusion Initiatives:
✅ Flexible working policies: Accommodating different needs and lifestyles.
✅ Accessibility-Focused Roles: Regularly reviewed for inclusivity.
✅ Support Structures: Help colleagues thrive within their roles.
For Applicants with Disabilities or Neurodivergence
If you require adjustments due to a disability, neurodivergent condition, or accessibility need, we encourage you to share this information with us.
🔗 Resources for neurodiversity: 🔗 Health Assured – Supporting Neurodiversity
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