Purchasing and Contracts Manager Vacancy at Northern Rail

Purchasing and Contracts Manager

Business Function: Finance
Grade: ML1/SB3
Salary: Approximately £49,000 per annum
Role Type: Hybrid
Hours: 37 per week

Location: York/Leeds/Manchester
Posted: 28/11/2024
Closing Date: 04/12/2024
Closing Time: 23:59

Are you a skilled procurement professional eager to optimize efficiency and ensure adherence to compliance standards?

This position presents a unique opportunity to lead purchasing and transactional operations, playing a crucial role in upholding governance and maximizing value across the organization.

You will oversee procurement and purchasing activities, delivering a streamlined and effective service across the company. As the primary system administrator and advisor for purchasing, you will ensure compliance with governance protocols, safeguarding the integrity of transactional processes. Key responsibilities include maintaining adherence to Delegated Authority in procurement systems, monitoring supply chain performance, and implementing best practices in contract management.

You’ll work closely with the procurement team to identify opportunities for enhanced value and efficiency, driving innovation in how the company interacts with its supply chain.

This is an excellent chance to make a measurable impact, shaping procurement strategies and improving operational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

This role is diverse and challenging, offering the following day-to-day activities:

• System Management & Support: Serve as the primary owner and advisor for the purchasing system, ensuring optimal utilization and resolving queries.
• Governance & Compliance: Uphold purchasing policies and controls, ensuring compliance throughout the business and timely processing of all activities.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Track purchasing, contracts, and spending data, producing reports, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
• Stakeholder Training & Communication: Design and deliver training, updates, and policy communications for stakeholders and users.
• Vendor & Catalogue Management: Manage vendor information, oversee supplier catalogues, and ensure compliance with approval procedures.

About You

You’ll be a proactive and detail-focused professional passionate about enhancing efficiency and compliance in procurement. With a robust background in purchasing systems and processes, you excel in dynamic environments and effectively manage multiple priorities. Strong communication and interpersonal abilities are vital as you engage with stakeholders, offering guidance and support. Your collaborative nature and expertise in training and leadership will make you an essential asset to the team.

Additional Skills and Qualifications

• Expertise in SAP and other procurement systems like Coupa
• Comprehensive knowledge of procurement laws, processes, and controls
• Strong IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office
• Experience in managing business controls and ensuring financial governance
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge of contract management practices
• Experience in staff management and training

Our Benefits

We value our employees and offer a benefits package designed to reward hard work:

• Free Travel on Northern Services: Employees, along with their partners/spouses and dependents, can travel for free across Northern’s network. (Eligibility criteria apply.)
• 75% Discount with Other Train Operators: After a year, enjoy discounted travel on many UK and European rail services.
• Defined Benefit Pension Scheme: A highly competitive pension scheme with employer contributions of 1.5 times your input.
• Maternity and Paternity Benefits: Generous leave policies, including nine months of full-pay maternity leave and two weeks of full-pay paternity leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support on a wide range of topics, from family matters to lifestyle guidance.
• Northern Perks: Access exclusive retail discounts, cashback offers, instant vouchers, and wellbeing support.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme: Eligible managers and executives can purchase up to five additional annual leave days each year.

Additional Information

Northern reserves the right to close applications for this position before the advertised deadline if a high volume of applications is received.

If you miss the application window for this role, please revisit our careers page regularly for future opportunities. We’re always looking for exceptional talent to join our team!

We are proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. Applications are welcomed from candidates of all backgrounds, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, disability, or sexual orientation.

Northern is a Disability Confident employer, dedicated to recognizing and utilizing the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities in the workplace.