Procurement Manager

       Procurement Manager

• Based: United Kingdom. Regular meetings in London and across England
• Hybrid working.  Full-time.
• Reporting to Head of Procurement & Contracts
• Remuneration - 52000K to 58,000K- ( Depending on experience in current role) 

About us

DFT Operator Limited (DFTO) is the public sector owning group for passenger rail, with responsibility for four train operators: LNER, Northern, Southeastern and TransPennine Express. We have a strong track record of delivering significantly improved train operations, customer service and performance and we have grown significantly since we successfully took responsibility for LNER in 2018. Today, the DFTO Group represents 25% of Britain’s railway, have almost 17,000 colleagues and make over 270 million passenger journeys possible. We are strategically positioned to be a key player in shaping and delivering the future train operating landscape. In addition to our role as an Owning Group, we continue to be the Operator of Last Resort with the capacity and capability to take ownership of additional Train Operators as required, whilst fulfilling our ambition for our operations to become industry leading.

DFTO is a ‘Public Corporation’ owned by the Secretary of State for Transport. Whilst we work closely with the DfT and its advisers, we have our own governance and executive teams; and remain politically neutral.

About the Role

This role consists of managing all stages of the procurement process from tendering through from the handing over of contracts to contract and supplier management within DfT Operator Limited (DFTO).

The role supports the Head of Procurement & Contracts; and works with Train Operators (TOC) Procurement Departments and Supplier Management staff across DFTO and TOCs to support transition into the public sector and to establish Group Sourcing Mechanisms.

• This role underpins both DFTO’s and the Procurement Directorate’s Business Plan. In addition to TOCs, the role maybe required to work with and DfT, RNP, external stakeholders such as Network Rail, Crown Commercial Services, and other Government bodies.
• To analyse a wide range of information, data, and market research in order to inform commercial options and decisions and input into the shaping of the business need in line with the procurement strategy.
• Assess and constructively challenge specifications to ensure that they are fit for purpose, and where appropriate have drawn from best practice/lessons learnt from previous contracts and/or similar contracts delivered.
• Manage procurement under a category style approach and challenge suppliers for additional opportunities and initiatives.
• Supporting the implementation of the DFTO procurement & commercial strategy through provision of support for the procurement aspects of transactions;
• Management of all aspects of group procurement activity undertaken by DFTO from notice to award including preparation and publication of notices, drafting of procurement documentation for individual competitions, participation in evaluation and negotiation and selection of the successful bidder and contributing to the development of business cases for governance bodies including DFTO, DfT, Cabinet Office and HMT;
• Provision of support to procurement competitions which are already underway either within DFTO TOCs or within private sector TOCs which transition into DFTO while procurements are in flight including undertaking due diligence on commercial elements of transactions as required;
• Work in collaboration with other Procurement Managers across TOCs to deliver better value for money across the estate, identifying and proposing efficiencies and innovations to reduce cost;
• Undertake procurement tasks on portfolio level universal contracts as required;
• Identify and develop commercial opportunities to secure additional, non-passenger related revenue across the DFTO and TOC supply chain to drive and add value, engaging with all internal and external group functions and stakeholders, including Network Rail where appropriate;.
• Support the transition of TOCs into the public sector, this will involve analysing pipelines, existing contracts, and supporting TOC Procurement Departments to prepare for transition as per DFTO Transition Policy, providing access to public sector contracts and acting as a representative were required.
• Recommend preferred supplier and if appropriate submit and present recommendation to the Executive Board for approval.
• Prepare and issue guidance on how to undertake procurement activities including providing relevant training as may be required.
• Be the team’s procurement experts on ad hoc matters as required;
• Undertake various projects as requested by the Group Procurement Director and/or Head of Procurement & Contracts.
• Act as a primary procurement contact for the business.

The individual will recognise the different nature of our TOCs and the impact on the goods and services specified yet will identify, encourage and deliver synergies and efficiencies with internal stakeholders.  

Key Competencies of the Role

Job Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Essential

• The post holder must have a proven track-record of success as a senior procurement manager in a public sector procurement environment. Extensive experience is specifically required in:
• At least 2 years successful track record in procurement.
• Proven data analysis and Excel skills with experience of developing financial models Expertise in the creation and running of competitive tenders and detailed contract negotiation.
• A proven self-starter who can identify opportunities and requirements and work on their own initiative.
• Able to present complex information clearly to decision makers in support of commercial agreements and contract terms. 
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, able to work with stakeholders across different organisations.
• A strong team player, able to operate across multiple levels and drive engagement and demonstrate leadership when delivering projects.
• Flexible and able to manage and prioritise changing business needs and workloads.
• Ability to communicate /facilitate effectively with all levels of staff within the business and with external suppliers.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 & Procurement Regulations 2024.
• Demonstrable experience in commercially managing investment projects
• Good negotiation skills

Desirable

• Educated to degree standard in related subject
• Membership of a relevant professional institute, chartered status
• Significant experience of working within a generalist commercial environment
• Awareness of industry issues
• Good understanding of railway and industry forms of contract
• Preferable but not essential -CIPS Qualified or studying towards Professional Procurement qualification

Planning and Delivery: the ability to create and implement an effective strategy and delivery plans for procurement activities.

Analytical Skills: proficiency in analysing data to inform decision-making and strategy adjustments.

Verbal and Written Communication: exceptional ability to articulate ideas clearly and concisely in both written and oral formats.

Interpersonal Skills: strong ability to build and maintain relationships.

Change Management

Promotes a culture that acknowledges the value of positive change and diversity; creates strategies to involve those who will be affected by planning and preparation and to support them through the change.

Politically astute: recognise the demands of DFTO shareholders and the broader context of an evolving industry. Understand the objectives of relevant stakeholders within DFTO.

Collaboration: fostering a collaborative environment both within DFTO’s portfolio and across industry groups.

Commercially aware: outputs focussed and budget sensitive. Drive value for money solutions to optimise outcomes for the tax payer over the short and long term.

Governance

Ensures corporate governance and compliance is maintained in the use of Procurement processes.

Corporate Leadership

Work within the Procurement Directorates Governance and Assurance process and (where appropriate) support DFTOs business plan.

Socially and culturally aware: consider the wider benefits for, and requirements of, our employees, customers and suppliers; and develop sustainable solutions for the communities that we interact with.

Transparency: commitment to open and honest communication with stakeholders. Maintaining high ethical standards and building trust through consistent and reliable actions.

Dynamism. Driven and energetic to achieve outcomes and overcome barriers.

Are you ready to join a team where your ideas matter and your contributions make a real impact? At DFTO, we’re not just looking for employees; we’re looking for innovative thinkers and passionate problem-solvers who are ready to make a difference. If you want to be part of a forward-thinking company that values creativity, collaboration, and growth, we want to hear from you! Apply now and let’s build the future together.

Equity Statement

At DFTO we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse perspectives and backgrounds are valued. We believe that diversity enriches our team and contributes to our success. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences, and we are dedicated to providing equal opportunities regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or other status. We strive to foster an environment where everyone feels respected and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively promote practices that ensure fairness, eliminate biases, and support the growth and development of all employees. Join us in our mission to create a workplace that reflects the diverse communities we serve and fosters a culture of equity and inclusion. Together, we can build a brighter future where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.