Senior Buyer

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 43,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement organization is seeking a Senior Buyer to enhance procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships effectively. This role involves negotiating contracts, providing commercial support, and ensuring value maximization from suppliers. With a competitive salary and benefits, the position is open to applicants who can demonstrate relevant qualifications and experience. The organization is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Benefits

Travel discounts

Pension options

Flexible working

Healthcare

Qualifications

• Recognised skills in contractual and commercial matters.
• Practical intermediate level experience in procurement.
• Strong negotiation skills and successful supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement contracting strategy proposals.
• Provide post-contract commercial management support.
• Conduct contract management meetings with stakeholders.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Contractual and commercial skills

Procurement experience

Education

Membership of a professional institution

Job description

Overview

Senior Buyer - ID IRC2328238

Location: York, Derby, London or Manchester

Salary: £43,588 to £51,719 per annum (+£3,200 for London based roles)

Role Type: Permanent, Full time

There are multiple roles available. Network Rail connects passengers and freight customers to deliver safe and efficient transportation across the country. We are committed to creating an open, diverse and inclusive workplace and to a safe and accessible railway for everyone.

Investing in our people is key to safety, reliability and efficiency. This opportunity includes a clear development path with access to training and additional qualifications.

Joining Network Rail means becoming part of a team of over 40,000 people with a strong commitment to being one of Britain’s best employers.

Benefits – A range of employee benefits including leave, travel discounts, pension options, performance pay, flexible working, healthcare, and more. Details are provided in the full candidate pack and benefits information.

Key Accountabilities

• Develop and implement 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 on projects and/or contract/commercial issues, including rapid response to potential contract disputes.
• Target specific goods, services and suppliers to identify tangible procurement improvements.
• Undertake regular contract management meetings with stakeholders and suppliers to maximise value of contracts.
• Endorse and approve contract variations as required.
• Deliver services to programme/project teams in a timely and cost-effective manner to support objectives.

Essential

• Recognised skills in contractual and commercial matters with credibility to advise other staff.
• Procurement background with practical intermediate level experience.
• Experience in maintaining successful supplier relationships.
• Knowledge of relevant contract terms.
• Strong negotiation skills.

Desirable

• Membership of an appropriate professional institution.

Requirements and Notes

Applicants must provide proof of essential qualifications/competencies or evidence active progress toward them, or applicable experience, as a condition of employment.

Network Rail welcomes applications irrespective of age, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, or employment status. We are a Disability Confident Leader employer and will interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria.

We support flexible working and provide adjustments or modifications if required during the recruitment process.

Pre-employment

Network Rail complies with UK Government pre-employment checks, including identity verification and right to work. All offers are conditional on satisfactory completion of these checks. Please ensure you have the appropriate Right to Work status when applying.

Salary: £43,588 to £51,719 per annum (+£3,200 for London based roles). Employees may be entitled to a 75% discount on leisure travel and other benefits as part of the package.

Closing date: 8th October 2025. Late applications will not be accepted. The advert may close early based on application volumes.