Sourcing Specialist

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements

Generous annual leave 28 days

Pension scheme

Discounts on station travel

Travel loan

Volunteer leave

Job summary

Network Rail is seeking a skilled Sourcing Specialist to join the Infrastructure Sourcing Team within Directs Sourcing. You will lead end-to-end sourcing activities, develop procurement strategies, and negotiate contracts to deliver value for Britain’s rail infrastructure.

You will collaborate with stakeholders to maximise value, manage risk and governance, and contribute to major programmes that keep the railway moving safely and efficiently.

Qualifications

• Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience.
• Demonstrable level of Sourcing experience, with a track record of savings delivery.
• Experience with negotiation and dispute resolution skill set.
• Experience with contract law and financial management.
• Experience with driving value from sourcing opportunities.
• Experienced with agile cross-functional collaborative working methods.
• Politically aware, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies at an executive level.
• Experience of problem-solving complex sourcing specific challenges.
• Completer finisher mindset.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities from requirements to contract signature.
• Develop procurement strategies and run competitive sourcing processes.
• Negotiate commercial outcomes and manage risk and governance in a regulated environment.
• Build supplier partnerships and deliver tangible value for business objectives.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the business to maximise value and customer experience.

Skills

Sourcing experience

Negotiation

Contract law

Financial management

Agile collaboration

Influencing

Problem-solving

Completer finisher mindset

Education

Business or Economics degree

Job description

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter

At Network Rail, we are dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you are not just part of a team - you are part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway.

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 will do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we would love to hear from you!

Some of our great benefits:

We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered

Generous annual leave up to 28 days plus statutory days (role dependant), with the option to buy/sell days

Discounts at selected stations with your Network Rail pass

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% off leisure train tickets for you and your dependents (subject to T&Cs)

Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets

Volunteer leave to make a positive impact

Duration: Permanent

Location: This role is based in The Quadrant MK with potential to be based in Birmingham Baskerville or Manchester Square One. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered.For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 90 minutes.

Band & Salary: Band 4B £35,582 - £43,400

About the role

What does the average day look like? On an average day, you'll be leading sourcing activities from initial business requirements through to contract signature, ensuring we deliver meaningful commercial outcomes. Working closely with stakeholders across functions, you'll implement category strategies, negotiate contracts and manage risk and governance in a regulated environment. Your work will help us to maximise value and deliver a positive customer experience, helping to build a more efficient, effective railway for everyone.

About the team You'll be joining a supportive and collaborative Commercial & Procurement team that plays a key role in keeping Britain's railways running efficiently and safely. We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the business to deliver value for money, ensure compliance, and support strategic objectives. It's a fast-paced and dynamic environment where your ideas are valued, and professional development is encouraged.

And hear what some of our brilliant team members think about Network Rail in this video

Your experience and skills

Who are we looking for? Ready to influence major infrastructure projects and deliver real commercial value?

We're looking for a talented and ambitious Sourcing Specialist to join our Infrastructure Sourcing Team within Directs Sourcing.

This is more than a procurement role. It's an opportunity to work at the heart of some of Network Rail's most important infrastructure programmes, helping to secure the goods, services and solutions that keep Britain's railway moving safely and efficiently.

As a Sourcing Specialist, you'll lead end-to-end sourcing activities, working closely with stakeholders across the business to develop procurement strategies, run competitive sourcing processes, negotiate commercial outcomes and deliver tangible value. You'll have the opportunity to influence key decisions, build strong supplier partnerships and contribute directly to achieving business objectives.

We're looking for someone who combines strong commercial awareness with excellent relationship-building skills. You'll be confident engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, able to navigate complex procurement challenges, and have a solid understanding of procurement regulations and governance. Most importantly, you'll be someone who enjoys solving problems, delivering results and continually looking for better ways of doing things.

In return, you'll join a supportive and collaborative team where your expertise will be valued, your development encouraged, and your contributions will have a visible impact. Whether you're looking to broaden your sourcing experience, work on high-profile projects, or take the next step in your procurement career, this role offers the scale, variety and challenge to help you grow.

If you're a proactive procurement professional who wants to make a genuine difference while developing your career in a dynamic and purpose-driven organisation, we'd love to hear from you.

• Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience
• Demonstrable level of Sourcing experience, with a track record of savings delivery
• Experience with negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
• Experience with contract law and financial management
• Experience with driving value from sourcing opportunities
• Experienced with agile cross-functional collaborative working methods
• Politically aware, with the proven ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies at an executive level
• Experience of problem-solving complex sourcing specific challenges
• Completer finisher mindset

Please see attached job description for full details.

Desirable Criteria

• Detailed knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, including procurement processes in a reclassified environment
• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification or working towards

Additional Information

Closing date: 5th November 2026. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 16th November 2026, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

Business, Commercial and Project Management