Network Rail
Senior Buyer – C&P
Location: Blackfriars, GB
Department Name: CL Capable Owner & Enh Sourcing (338320) G1
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.
We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. 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.
If you’re ready to make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you!
Brief Description
We are seeking a skilled and proactive procurement professional with proven experience in public sector procurement, strong negotiation abilities, and a track record of delivering value through strategic sourcing, to play a pivotal role in achieving excellent commercial outcomes for the railways we all rely on every day.
In this role, you will join Network Rail’s Southern Railway System, where your responsibilities will include developing and executing complex procurement strategies, managing tender processes in accordance with public procurement legislation and company policy. You will collaborate closely with commercial and project teams, senior stakeholders, and suppliers to ensure contracts deliver optimal value, align with broader organisational objectives, and promote social value and sustainable outcomes.
Unlike many similar roles, you’ll get the opportunity to work across our full range of spend categories and be at the forefront of driving positive change, with your ideas and contributions actively shaping continuous improvements and best practices within our team and the wider business. This opportunity is ideal for candidates who are looking to combine commercial acumen, innovative problem-solving, and excellent relationship management.
To support your success, we offer industry leading training, professional development opportunities, and clear pathways for career progression. If you thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and are looking to advance your career in procurement, this is the role for you. You will have the opportunity to work at our offices in London Blackfriars or Basingstoke.
About the role
As a Senior Buyer, you might:
- Develop and implement project‑specific and steady‑state contracting strategies, including the preparation and evaluation of tender documentation and negotiation of contracts.
- Provide post‑contract commercial management support across a range of contracts, ensuring value for money and effective delivery.
- Offer dedicated commercial and contract support to senior colleagues, including providing rapid, pragmatic responses to emerging contract or dispute‑related issues.
- Identify opportunities for improvement by targeting specific goods, services and suppliers, driving tangible benefits in procurement outcomes.
- Lead and participate in regular contract management meetings with key stakeholders and suppliers to monitor performance and confirm that contractual value is being achieved.
- Manage responsibilities for the endorsement and approval of contract variations, ensuring appropriate governance and control.
- Deliver timely, cost‑effective procurement and commercial support to programme and project teams, contributing positively to the achievement of agreed objectives.
Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications
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.
How to apply
Band & Salary: £43588 – £51719
Vacancy type: Perm
Location: London Puddle Dock
Closing date: 20th April 2026
We’re an organisation where people matter. We matter to millions. We offer excellent benefits, including:
- Generous annual leave with the option to buy/sell days.
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
- 75% subsidy on rail and underground season tickets.
- Up to 75% off leisure travel.
- Carer’s leave to support those who matter.
- Healthcare Scheme, GymPass discounts, Cycle to work plus more.
- We offer generous maternity, paternity, and adoption leave to support our employees during significant life moments.
We’re committed to being open, diverse, and inclusive, reflecting the passengers and freight users we serve. Join us and help create a safe, accessible railway for everyone, with support from eight staff networks to grow your career.
Should you require any reasonable adjustments/modifications, please add a note to your application.
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.
