Strategic Utilities & Commodities Procurement Lead

Northern; Leeds; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern is seeking a Utilities and Commodities Procurement Manager to lead energy procurement strategy and manage the utilities and commodities spend across our estates. You will work with suppliers, other train operators and the DfTO to manage risk and deliver financial and sustainability goals.

You will liaise with internal energy consumers—from stations to property and engineering—becoming the go-to commercial advisor for utilities and commodities at Northern.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of Northern’s utilities and commodities portfolio, delivering best value while keeping environmental goals in view.
• 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 negotiating contracts.
• Influence and manage utilities contracts within delegated authority, ensuring procurement policies are followed.
• Lead on claims and contractual issues, including third-party loss claims and overcharges.
• Oversee installation and maintenance of utility assets and set-up of suppliers at new Northern locations.
• Direct site investigations when utility issues or discrepancies are reported.
• Own the utility asset register and oversee data in Northern’s Utilities Database.
• Act as SME and lead on relevant Department for Transport Operator efficiency programmes.
• Keep abreast of industry developments and introduce best practices.
• Represent Northern at industry events and build relationships across utilities and commodities.
• Translate complex utility information into clear insight for all stakeholders.
• Coordinate with outsourced contractors to ensure utility processes are delivered effectively.

Skills

Utilities procurement

Contract management

Stakeholder management

Cost reduction

Public procurement knowledge

Rail sector experience

Continuous improvement

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

CIPS qualification

IEMA qualification

Diploma in Contract Management

Advanced Energy Manager Level 3

Advanced Energy Manager Level 4

Job description

Northern is seeking a Utilities and Commodities Procurement Manager to lead energy procurement strategy and manage the utilities and commodities spend across our estates. You will work with suppliers, other train operators and the DfTO to manage risk and deliver financial and sustainability goals.

You will liaise with internal energy consumers—from stations to property and engineering—becoming the go-to commercial advisor for utilities and commodities at Northern.