Who are we?

GWR is the proud custodian of Brunel's railway - one of the most prestigious networks in the world.  We have some of the newest trains in the country and exciting plans to extend our services.   With more than one hundred million passenger journeys each year, we carry people to over 275 stations in the South West, from Cornwall and South Wales to London, passing through beautiful country and some of the UK's top tourist destinations. 

We are transforming the way people think about train travel, empowering our team of over 6,000 people from all different backgrounds to make it a great experience for our customers.  Together, we will revalue rail as a very special way to travel – relaxing, fast, efficient, friendly and fun.

Salary up to £65,000 depending on skills and experience, plus excellent benefits package.

 
About the team:

As one of the largest train companies in Britain, more than 100 million customers a year join us on board. When the Great Western Railway was built, it opened the West and Wales to trade and tourism. And now, along with our partners at Network Rail, we're proud to have the chance to look after your railway.

As well as electrifying our main routes, and upgrading key stations, we have carried out the biggest upgrade of trains in the country.

The Procurement team have an essential role to play in the success of GWR through our strategic sourcing and our approach to supplier management.

Our Vision:

Be a trusted partner, that enables the business to achieve value for money every time.

At GWR, we understand the importance of investing in our employees' professional growth. As a Senior Procurement Manager, you'll have access to a structured career progression path within both GWR. Whether you're looking to enhance your skills, take on greater responsibilities, or pursue leadership positions, we're committed to supporting your career development every step of the way.

About the job:

The role of the Senior Procurement Manager will be to lead on a variety of complex procurement projects including tenders across all spend areas, with support from others within the team, reporting to the Head of Procurement.

To succeed in this position, you will be an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual with good interpersonal skills who has the ability to work both independently and within a wider multi-functional stakeholder team.

Preferred candidates will have experience in the following areas:

• Procurement Act 2023
• Line management
• Strategic procurement
• Contract negotiation
• Contract management

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead and support your direct reports, striving to help them achieve their full potential
• Lead, develop and implement effective sourcing strategies to maximise through life value for money of our contracts
• Lead and develop complex regulated (Procurement Act 2023) compliant procurement exercises
• Develop an expert knowledge of the supplier marketplace within assigned categories to ensure credibility with internal stakeholders
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders across GWR, First Group and external stakeholders
• Support Supplier Relationship Management activities in driving efficiencies and benefits
• Leading complex commercial negotiations for both new requirements and contract renewals

In this role you will need to:

• Be leading on all aspects of tender drafting, issuing and evaluation in procurement projects
• Have demonstrable experience in post award contract management
• Have great communication skills
• Have excellent organisation skills in terms of time-management and workload
• Be proficient with MS Office, in particular MS Excel and Word
• Proactive in driving projects and reporting updates to all stakeholders

The Reward

As well as a great team environment and comprehensive training, all GWR colleagues enjoy a range of benefits including:

• on-going development,
• defined benefit pension scheme with the Railways Pension Scheme,
• free rail travel across the GWR network for you and your family,
• company-sponsored health care plan,
• discounted shopping and gym membership
• employee assistance programme and much more.

About You:

As a minimum you'll need to have:

• Experience working within the Public Sector in a procurement role
• MCIPS qualified or degree level education or equivalent
• Proficient in European/UK procurement legislation
• A detailed understanding of contract law (e.g. NEC, JCT and other industry contract forms)
• Proven experience in the development of good relationships with both internal and external senior stakeholders
• Proven demonstrable experience of managing supply chain relationships and supplier performance
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent analytical and data management skills

About the location

Base location is Milford House, Swindon. Free rail travel on the GWR network included in the benefits package.

Additional Information

This is a full time, permanent position.

Application

Please apply online via our website https://careers.firstgroup.co.uk/brand-gwr

If you have any problems applying, please email gwrrecruitment@gwr.com

Our Commitment to Inclusion:

We all belong at GWR.  We embrace diversity and ensure equal opportunities for all. 

Differences in age, gender, LGBTQIA, ethnicity, religion and disability are valued, with zero 

tolerance for prejudice.

We promote flexible working, review job roles for accessibility, and our support colleagues to thrive within their roles.

If you need adjustments due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, please let us know.

🔗 Exceptional Individuals – Neurodiversity

🔗 Health Assured – Neurodiversity

INGWR