Northern
Utilities & Commodities Procurement Manager
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BUSINESS FUNCTION: Finance
SALARY: £63,263 – c£65,000/Grade: ML2/SB2
ROLE TYPE: Permanent
LOCATION: York, Leeds or Manchester
HOURS: 37 per week
Working in FM & Works category procurement team as Utilities and Commodities Procurement Manager, you’ll take the lead on energy procurement strategy and management of utilities and commodities spend across our estate, working with suppliers, other train operating companies and the DfTO to manage risk, and deliver against our financial and sustainability goals.
Northern developed the energy procurement strategy for the entire estate in readiness for Great British Rail, so measuring the success and using your expertise to spot opportunities, solve problems and make things better for all train operating companies is a real opportunity in this role.
You will liaise with main energy consumers internally from stations and traincare centres to property and engineering, where your decisions will have a real impact. You’ll also be the go-to person for commercial guidance on utilities and commodities at Northern.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll take ownership of Northern’s utilities and commodities portfolio, making sure we get the best possible value while keeping our environmental ambitions firmly in view.
That means you’ll:
- Work with senior leaders and teams across Northern to influence utilities expenditure and identify opportunities to deliver savings and efficiencies.
- Manage relationships with utility and commodity suppliers, meter operators and key stakeholders, including Network Rail.
- Lead utility and commodity tender exercises, from shaping requirements and evaluating bids through to recommending contracts and negotiating terms.
- Influence and manage utilities contracts within your delegated authority, making sure procurement policies, processes and obligations are followed.
- Lead on claims and contractual issues, including claims for losses involving third parties, for such things as leak claims and overcharges
- Influence the installation and maintenance of utility assets and support the set-up of suppliers at new Northern-managed locations.
- Direct site investigations when utility issues or discrepancies are reported as you see appropriate.
- Own the utility asset register and oversee the data that feeds into Northern’s Utilities Database, working with suppliers, Meter Operators and Accounts Payable to resolve discrepancies.
- Act as a subject matter expert and lead on relevant Department for Transport Operator efficiency programmes.
- Keep an eye on what’s happening across the industry, bringing useful new ideas and best practice into Northern where they can make a difference.
- Represent Northern at relevant industry events and build strong relationships across the utilities and commodities sector.
- Turn complex utility information and data into clear, useful insight for everyone from station and engineering teams through to senior leaders and directors.
- Work with outsourced contractors to make sure utility processes are delivered effectively.
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This is a role with plenty of variety. One day you could be negotiating a commercial agreement, the next you could be investigating an issue on site or working with a senior stakeholder on how we can reduce consumption.
About You
You’ll know your way around utilities and commodities, or have experience in a comparable environment such as asset management. You’ll be comfortable taking ownership, finding opportunities and getting things moving without needing someone to tell you what to do.
You’ll also bring:
- Experience of managing utilities-related projects and delivering improvements.
- Strong commercial and contract management skills, including experience negotiating complex agreements and terms.
- The ability to build effective relationships with suppliers, internal teams and external stakeholders.
- Confidence communicating with and influencing senior leaders, including at senior management and Board level.
- Experience of finding ways to reduce operational costs without compromising service quality.
- A good understanding of public procurement and contract law.
- Experience working in a multi-site operational environment, ideally with exposure to rail.
- A track record of driving continuous improvement and bringing people with you.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to make complex information easy to understand.
You may also have relevant qualifications such as:
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification
- Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) practitioner qualification
- Diploma in Contract Management,
- Advanced Energy Manager Level 3 from the Energy Institute, or Level 4 from the Institute of Workplace and Facilities Management.
A degree-level education would ensure you are a stronger candidate, but we’re also interested in the experience and expertise you can bring.
What’s in it for you?
At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:
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- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
- Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.
Why Northern?
We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,650 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.
Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.
A place for everyone
The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.
At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B - we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We're also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.
We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.
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