Supplier Contracts Specialist
Network Rail
Who We Are
About Network Rail...
Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.
We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.
If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!
Vacancy Details
Duration: Permanent
Location: This role is based in Quadrant Milton Keynes. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant: MK, you must live within 90 minutes.
Band & Salary: Band 4B £35,582 - £43,400.00
Who are we looking for?
We're looking for someone who's confident managing supplier relationships and contracts, with a sharp eye for detail and a proactive approach to solving problems. You'll thrive on collaboration, working closely with colleagues, stakeholders and suppliers to keep things running smoothly and deliver real value for the organisation. If you're organised, commercially aware, good at building trusted relationships and comfortable juggling competing priorities in a fast paced environment, you'll be a great fit for this role. Above all, we're looking for someone who brings curiosity, professionalism and a commitment to continuous improvement.
About the team..
You'll be joining a supportive and collaborative Commercial & Procurement team that plays a key role in keeping Britain's railways running efficiently and safely. We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the business to deliver value for money, ensure compliance, and support strategic objectives. It's a fast-paced and dynamic environment where your ideas are valued, and professional development is encouraged.
And hear what some of our brilliant team members think about Network Rail in this video
What does the average day look like?
An average day in this role involves managing a varied portfolio of supplier contracts, making sure they deliver the full value agreed during sourcing while meeting all governance and regulatory requirements. You'll work closely with Category and Sourcing Managers, as well as stakeholders across the business, to maintain strong supplier relationships and ensure a joined up approach to engagement and performance. Your day will include driving operational service delivery, resolving issues, facilitating contract changes, and identifying opportunities for savings and improvements throughout the contract lifecycle. You'll keep our contractual data accurate and up to date, support financial planning, and collaborate with colleagues - including Accounts Payable - to smooth out any payment or invoicing challenges. You'll also contribute to enhancing best practice across the Supplier Management team by sharing market insights, leading continuous improvement activities, and supporting customer satisfaction initiatives that help us deliver against our Balanced Scorecards and procurement ambitions.
About the role
Essential Criteria
Educated to a Business or Economics degree standard or equivalent business experience.
Procurement experience, to include Supplier Management
Experience of driving value from complex supplier contracts and relationships
Experience with negotiation and dispute resolution skill set
Ability to deliver defined relationship and commercial value.
Experience with agile cross-functional collaborative working methods.
Politically aware, with the ability to use direct and indirect influencing strategies.
Demonstrable level of problem-solving experience
Completer finisher mindset
Please see attached job description for full details.
Desirable Criteria
Detailed knowledge of the UK Rail Industry, including procurement processes in a reclassified environment
Your experience and skills
Additional Information...
Closing date: Monday 10th August 2026. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.
Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision
All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.
Some of our great benefits:
- Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.
- Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.
- Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.
- Defined benefit pension scheme
- 75% subsidy on train tickets.
- Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.
- Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.
- Plus more....
Key Information
Vacancy Details
Number of Positions
Contract Type
Permanent
Hours
Full Time
Salary
£35,582 - £43,400
Location
The Quadrant:MK, Milton Keynes
Closing Date
10-AUG-2026
Job Category
Business, Commercial and Project Management
Function
Route Services
Asset
Commercial & Procurement
Organisation
ET RS CP Commercial (571009) G1