Join Our Team as a Procurement Manager at Great Western Railway!

Salary: upto £60k depending on skills and experience

About Us?

At Great Western Railway (GWR), we're more than just a train company—we're a part of Britain's history and its future. Since our founding, we've connected the West and Wales with the rest of the UK, opening doors for trade, tourism, and community connections. Today, in partnership with Network Rail, we're committed to building the railway of tomorrow, from electrifying main routes to leading the largest train upgrade in the country.

The Procurement team plays a key role in this journey by strategically sourcing and managing suppliers to ensure we're always delivering the best value. Our vision is clear: to be a trusted partner, enabling GWR to achieve value for money in everything we do.

Why GWR?

We know that investing in our people is the key to success. As a Procurement Manager, you'll find a supportive environment for growth within GWR and our parent company, First Group. We offer a clear path for career progression, and you'll have opportunities to enhance your skills, take on exciting projects, and pursue leadership roles. If you're ready to be a part of our journey, we're here to support your career every step of the way.

About the Role?

 As a Procurement Manager at GWR, you'll lead a variety of procurement projects, including tenders across various spend areas. Reporting to a Senior Procurement Manager and collaborating with a talented team, you'll have the chance to shape sourcing strategies, negotiate contracts, and build essential relationships across GWR and First Group.

We're looking for candidates who:

• Bring experience in areas like Utilities or Public Contracts Regulations, contract negotiation, and contract management.
• Have a solid foundation in e-procurement.
• Are proactive, self-motivated, and able to work both independently and within multi-functional teams.
• Thrive in dynamic environments and can communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Key Responsibilities?

• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to maximize contract value.
• Lead competitive tender exercises within a regulated procurement environment.
• Build deep expertise in supplier markets and maintain credibility with internal stakeholders.
• Support Senior Procurement Managers in managing complex, regulated tenders.
• Drive supplier relationships, contract renewals, and commercial negotiations.

Essential Skills and Experience?

• Proven experience leading tender drafting, issuing, and evaluation processes.
• Demonstrable experience in contract management and supplier relationship management.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and data management skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel and Word.

Qualifications?

• Ideally MCIPS-qualified (or actively working towards it).
• A background in procurement and a foundational understanding of contract law.
• Proven success in building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Location?

Our main base is in Swindon, where you'll work with a fantastic team. As part of your benefits, you'll receive a travel pass to explore the GWR Network—both a perk and a chance to connect with the passengers and communities we serve.

Perks & Benefits?

• Health & Wellbeing: Health Cash Plan, health screenings, EAP, gym discounts.
• Lifestyle: Costco membership, bike scheme, retail discounts.
• Financial: Pension, share-saving schemes, payroll giving.
• Travel: Free GWR Travel pass. Discounted Friends and Family tickets, Eurostar, and European rail travel. 

We all belong at GWR. This is our vision for providing an inclusive environment for all our colleagues, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below.  We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/

https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/

If you're ready to make a real impact and grow your career with one of Britain's most iconic rail companies, we'd love to hear from you!