Sourcing Specialist - C&P

Network Rail; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A major railway infrastructure organization based in Milton Keynes seeks a proactive Sourcing Specialist to enhance procurement processes. The candidate will manage sourcing activities from requirements to contract finalization, ensuring compliance with regulations and driving savings. Skills in negotiation and relationship-building are essential. A degree in Business or Economics and experience in the UK rail industry are preferred. This role supports the organization's mission for a safe and efficient railway.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of savings delivery through sourcing.
• Detailed knowledge of UK rail industry and procurement processes.
• Politically aware with executive influencing strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing activities from requirements to contract signature.
• Implement category strategies and develop sourcing pipelines.
• Negotiate contracts and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
• Engage with stakeholders across business to maximize value.

Skills

End-to-end sourcing management

Negotiation and dispute resolution

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Business or Economics degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

You will be working in the Commercial & Procurement (C&P) function, primarily in the Rail Operations and Logistics (directs) sourcing team reporting into Clare Ward. Activities include completing procurement projects in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 legislation and C&P Policy. This role does not currently have any direct reports.

About The Team

You’ll be joining a supportive, passionate 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.

What does the average day look like?

On an average day, you will be leading Directs sourcing activities from initial business requirements through to contract signature, working closely with stakeholders to deliver real commercial and contractual value. You will be implementing category strategies, developing sourcing pipelines, and ensuring all procurement activity meets regulatory, governance and risk standards. Negotiation will be a key part of your role, as will ensuring a smooth handover to Supply Chain Operations and/or other customers ensuring that contracts deliver long‑term benefits. You will also help shape continuous improvements, manage contract variations, and engage with colleagues across different routes and regions to maximise value and deliver a positive customer experience.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a proactive and detail‑oriented Sourcing Specialist to support the delivery of value‑for‑money procurement across our organisation. The ideal candidate will have experience managing end‑to‑end sourcing activities, strong knowledge of PA23 procurement regulations, and the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders and suppliers. You will bring excellent analytical and communication skills, a commitment to transparency, and the drive to contribute to Network Rail's mission of delivering a safe, reliable, and efficient railway. Ideally you will be working towards CIPS qualifications.

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, detailed knowledge of the UK rail industry, including procurement processes in a re‑classified environment
• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification or working towards
• Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision