Category Manager - Rail

Category Manager - Rail
Birmingham
3 month contract role

We are currently recruiting for a strong Category Manager to join a rail client and support in delivering category plans and deliver procurement processes across the business. The role will be expected to lead tendering process, including all aspects of the procurement cycle into developing the contractual relationship and ensure the maximum value is extracted.
The role will ensure that excellent procurement governance is applied and the WMT procurement standards are maintained in line with company policies and procedures.
 
The role will work closely with a number of key stakeholders across the business, including Finance, IT and the Department For Transport.

The business is contractually obliged to comply with the Procurement Act 2023, knowledge of public procurement processes is an advantage to this role.

Principal Accountabilities:

•             Development of tactical procurement strategies for projects to lead the sourcing and implementation of third-party interactions in line with procurement processes and policies.
•             Leading the sourcing activity to identify the right suppliers & delivery partners in line with the Procurement Policy and, where required, the applicable Public Procurement Regulations.
•             Prepare and negotiate contracts and contract amendments necessary to meet business requirements and franchise commitments/obligations ensuring commerciality to the business.
•             Liaise with the wider Client Relationships & Contracts Team and the Department of Transport (DfT) to obtain approval of key contracts in line with the National Rail Contract (NRC) taking appropriate measures to ensure KPIs are met and surpassed.
•             Advise and support stakeholders on the best practice for obtaining best value for money and the highest quality for goods and services.
•             Provide the primary interface with external lawyers for matters relating to contracts.
•             Management and approval of POs through the Financial system to ensure a clear auditable trail and compliance to policies and procedures.
•             Hold suppliers accountable to support the delivery of their contractual agreements through clear and robust contract management.
•             Proactively look for opportunities collaborate on the delivery of the group procurement sourcing strategies to ensure best value from procurement exercises.
•             Management and Governance of the contracts database to ensure that contracts remain valid, and any contractual breaches are identified and resolved.
•             Supporting sustainable procurement by capturing sustainability improvements and initiatives within our supply chain.
•             Lead stakeholder meetings and ensure compliance of policies and regulations through governance within the business.

Knowledge and Experience:

•             Degree level qualified or equivalent experience
•             CIPS qualified, or working towards
•             Significant experience of contractual agreements and development of terms to be able to deliver a robust commercial position
•             Working to multiple deadlines often under time constraints without compromising quality
•             Team player with the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders internally and externally to the business. Adaptable to business change.
•             Strong analytical skills to analyse complex spend data
•             Good level of knowledge in ICT systems, including e-procurement systems and Microsoft suite
•             Ability to develop and present a negotiation in a professional and influencing manner
•             High degree of commercial acumen coupled with excellent organisational and documentation skills.
•             Ability to complete a procurement process from start to finish independently