Job Description

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 be responsible for developing and implementing commercial strategies and managing the supply chain to ensure efficient and effective procurement of goods and services. This role involves leading a team to optimise supply chain operations and align commercial activities with EWR Co objectives.

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

Engages and works with the wider business to develop a clear and agreed view of requirements, to identify and secure necessary external expertise. Understands the marketplace and potential solutions. Ensure alignment between commercial strategies and organisation priorities. Embed commercial strategies into commercial processes. Work with procurement teams to develop and implement commercial and category strategies to optimise procurement and supply chain operations. Work with procurement teams to develop delivery models, contracts, terms and conditions, and incentivisation mechanisms to optimise project outcomes. Considering key financial, legal and commercial issues in the development of the contracting model. Ensure that lessons learned from major infrastructure projects and programs are embedded in commercial strategies. Lead the commercial supply chain team, providing strategic direction and oversight. Manage supplier relationships and coordinating market engagement activities. Conduct market analysis and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency improvements in commercial activities. Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and internal commercial policies. Support the Business Case process, leading the Commercial Case and interface and engagement with governance and approvals. Ensures that all pre-procurement engagement has been completed and that the organisation is ready to go to market. Monitor and report on supply chain performance, identifying and addressing issues related to commercial activities. Facilitate continuous improvement in supply chain and procurement processes related to commercial activities. Responsible for managing and supporting direct reports including: coaching and developing team members to drive individual growth and operational excellence. Leading continuous improvement, through regular performance management and ensuring compliance with organisation policies and updating relevant systems. 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 tax payers' 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.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

Extensive experience in commercial strategy and supply chain management. Proven track record of developing and implementing effective commercial strategies. Strong understanding of procurement regulations and industry standards related to commercial activities. Strong understanding of the construction sector and appropriate contracting models Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage at all levels of the organisation.

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.