Job Description

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Description

A little bit about us:

East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that - improving prosperity for people and places along the way. East West Railway Company (that's us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.




At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.

Role Summary:

This role will work within the Procurement and wider Commercial Team at EWR Co, reporting to the Head of Services and Supplies. Predominantly, the Buyer role will lead the procurement of a high volume of tactical, below threshold procurement activities, critical to the daily operations of the business.



The Buyer will work collaboratively with relevant customers and stakeholders to create and deliver compliant and demonstratable value for money outcomes. Additionally, the Buyer will support the members of the wider team as required, assisting with above threshold and/or medium risk procurements, providing administrative support and general assistance across complex spend categories.

Function:

The Commercial function provides commercial and procurement capability across the programme lifecycle, including strategy (setting the commercial strategy and advising risk allocation underpinning the delivery strategy), delivering procurement activities for the goods and services required to deliver the asset and run EWR Co, and delivering contract management services for the complex network of suppliers supporting EWR Co. Across all three of these domains the commercial function will run governance and reporting to measure compliance and provide commercial assurance.###

Key Responsibilities

Develop and manage the procurement process from business requirement to contract signature, on behalf of key customers and stakeholders, for below threshold and/or low business risk opportunities, to create and deliver significant commercial and contractual value. Support the relevant Procurement/Category Manager to develop and manage the procurement process from business requirement to contract signature, on behalf of key customers and stakeholders, for above threshold and/or medium cost and business risk opportunities. Apply the relevant internal guidance and processes for procurement led opportunities below threshold to manage all risk, governance, legislative and regulatory requirements, validated by the relevant Assurance lead, either the Procurement/Category Manager or the Head of Procurement. Facilitate the transition of procurement led execution to Contract Management, to manage a seamless customer experience from business requirement through to post contract signature and position the Contract Management team to optimise their delivery of full contractual and relationship value. Support the administration and continual development of the Procurement Pipeline ensuring information on procurement activity is continually kept up to date. Demand manage and identify customer and stakeholder common procurement requirements to maximise overall company-wide commercial value. Take responsibility of your own and others' health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles. Demonstrates a cost-conscious mindset, keeping taxpayers' money at the forefront of decisions. Shows a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities. Act as a role model for EWR Co's vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co's Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.


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Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Efficient administrator with excellent attention to detail. Strong interpersonal skills, possessing the ability to interact and maintain credibility with colleagues. Experience in a purchasing / buyer role able to demonstrate strong analytical skills and ability to identify and apply relevant policy and procedures Strong project management and stakeholder management skills. Public sector procurement experience is an advantage but not a 'must have', including knowledge and understanding of public sector frameworks such as Crown Commercial Service frameworks. Good communication, relationship management and presentation skills. Ability to work autonomously. Excellent written and spoken communications skills. Ability to manage a high case load of different procurement activities and prioritise effectively to meet the needs of the business. Experience of e-Sourcing tools would be beneficial but not essential.


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Benefits

What we offer:

Competitive base salary Up to 12% employer's pension contribution 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy Life assurance Employee Assistance Programme Access to a range of benefits on the Perkbox platform On-the-spot and annual awards Advanced learning and development programmes Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities Enhanced family-friendly policies Exceptional IT tools


EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual's work life balance and style

Diversity and Inclusion:

To discover the best solutions, it's important we embrace diversity of thought. That's why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple - a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve.



We are open to secondments through the Rail Industry Talent Exchange Programme.###

About East West Rail

East West Railway Company is a new and exciting venture at the forefront of the changing landscape of the rail industry, delivering substantial fast-paced improvement to modernise the railway.