Job Description

Are you ready to make a difference in people's lives? At Network Rail, we connect passengers and freight customers, ensuring safe and efficient transportation across the country. We're an organisation where people truly matter, and when you join us, you matter to us and millions of others. to watch our inspiring video to learn more about us!
We're dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the passengers we serve. To achieve this, we're committed to becoming an open, diverse, and inclusive workplace, leveraging the skills and expertise of our talented workforce. Together, we strive to create a safe and accessible railway for everyone. Discover more about the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at Network Rail by .
Investing in our people is key to enhancing the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our railway system. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact, then this opportunity is for you!
About our people and the recruitment process - We're an inclusive employer of choice and we welcome applications from everyone! We encourage our colleagues to work flexibly, as we know traditional working patterns don't always fit. If you want to consider working flexibly, just let us know and we'll do our best to help and invest in your career with us, whilst you have a healthy work life balance.
We're also a employer and we'll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities access, apply and interview for roles.
Brief Description
Route Services is a division of Network Rail that provides the Routes with services so they can help Network Rail deliver a better railway for a better Britain. We support the Routes with a myriad of services and supplies they need to maintain and operate the railway. See the diagram for a breakdown of our services. To learn more, please click to watch our video.
This role sits within Supply Chain Operations (SCO), an area of the business which supplies and delivers the logistics, materials, components, rail and road fleet that enable the maintenance and renewal of the railway.
SCO keeps the materials, machinery and components required by its customers moving - making sure they are on-site when needed so work can go ahead as planned and on schedule. Watch our video
Working with us is
About the role (External)
The role sits within a team who undertake commercial, contract and delivery activities for Fleet & Engineering within Supply Chain Operations. Duties include purchasing, inventory and contract management for the supply of goods and services to the Network Rail Infrastructure Renewal Rail Fleets, working collaboratively with stakeholders and managing key customer relationships. The role includes Line Management for 1-2 Contract Assistants.
Key accountabilities include:
1. Develop and implement individual project and steady state contracting strategy proposals including preparation and evaluation of tender documents and negotiation of contracts.
2. Provide post contract commercial management support for a range of contracts.
3. Provide dedicated support to senior staff in respect of individual projects and/or contract/commercial issues, including 'rapid response' to potential contract disputes.
4. Target specific goods, services and/or suppliers to identify how tangible improvements may be made in the procurement of these goods and services.
5. Undertake regular contract management meetings with key stakeholders and suppliers to monitor whether maximum value was delivered via contract.
6. Manage responsibilities for endorsements and approval of contract variations.
7. Provide all services to programme/project teams in a timely and cost effective manner and contribute positively towards the achievement of programme/project objectives.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following criteria:
Essential
Recognised skills in contractual and commercial matters, with credibility and experience to act as advisor to other staff.
Successful procurement background with practical intermediate level experience.
Contributed towards maintaining successful relationships with suppliers.
Knowledge of relevant contract terms.
Strong negotiation skills.
Desirable
Membership of appropriate professional institution.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
Line management experience.
Proficient in Excel and PowerPoint, as this will be required to analyse and present data to make buying decisions.
Experience in ETA management and expediting orders.
A customer service background.
Good telephony skills.
How to apply (External)
Vacancy type: This role is a 15 month secondment with the potential to extend or become permanent (unless a suitable redeployee is identified).
Please note that secondments are subject to your line managers approval. Please discuss this opportunity with them before applying to avoid disappointment.
Location: This position can be based at The Quadrant: MK, Coventry or Crewe (initially 5 days per week in the office, reducing to 3 days per week once fully trained).
Hours: 35 hours per week with hybrid working and travel as required.
Salary range: 43,588 - 51,719 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
Closing date: 16 October 2025. Late applicants will not be accepted. This role is being advertised internally and externally.
You will need to complete a supporting statement addressing how you meet the essential criteria, please complete this as part of the application process and add this to your CV in one document. Applicants who do not complete this statement will not be shortlisted. Please see attached guide - How to complete Supporting Statement.
If you cannot access the guide, please contact and we will send you a copy.
Click 'Apply now' to submit your application. If you would like to speak the Resourcing Team, please contact us using the email address above.
If you would like any reasonable adjustments support during your application or throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact the Resourcing Team who will happily assist.
Below are some examples of adjustments we can make: * Changing a provision, practice or 'the way things are done'
For example, we can give candidates extra time to complete online, tasks or interviews as needed. * Changing a physical feature of our workplace
For example, office/room layout can be adapted to accommodate individual needs. * Providing extra equipment or assistance
For example, we can provide sign language interpreters and support workers where needed. Alternative document formats can be made available.
There are lots of other adjustments we can consider - please just ask!
The recruitment process will consist of shortlisted candidates being invited to take part in the following;
Competency Based Interview
Candidates who are shortlisted for interview will be contacted by phone or email.
For further information about how we recruit, please visit:
You can visit for advice on accessibility support if you're unsure of the options available. Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
Network Rail Benefits -
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
***Some of our roles require face to face Drugs & Alcohol testing. Further details will be shared with you as part of your formal offer.***

Skills Required