Apprentice Procurement Assistant

About the job:

To assist the acquisition, tendering and renewal of contracts here, supporting the evaluation, selection and contract negotiation process, liaising with other internal functions and external organisations to maximise efficiencies.

To deputise for Procurement Managers, and other Procurement Assistants, where required.

To support the Procurement Data Analyst in updating and compiling data for weekly periodic reporting requirements, as required.

Your main responsibilities will be:

To assist the Procurement Managers for the procurement and contract negotiation of goods and services within the business, liaising with relevant associated Procurement departments to maximise efficiencies.
Reporting directly to the Procurement Manager(s), within your functional area of responsibility in the department and deputising for other Procurement Assistants within the function, where required.
Preparation of ad-hoc reports, presentations and general support as requested by key stakeholders
Support the delivery of best practice within the function through general advice to stakeholders and the reviewing and updating of related procurement processes and procedures.
Utilisation of appropriate frameworks including National, Divisional and inter-TOC relationships.
Support and aid in the development of a preferred supplier list that is refreshed every 6 -12 months based on commodity, category, performance and cost.
Meeting and reviewing contracts with relevant stakeholders and contract managers around the business to deliver efficiencies and proactive contract and procurement pipeline planning within your functional area of responsibility, recording any savings achieved to contribute towards overall team savings targets
Act as a key negotiator in terms of completing new contracts and undertaking renewals and reviews and responsible for producing Procurement Strategy and Tender Support documents
Using the e-tendering tool for procurement projects ensuring relevant evaluation documentation is accessible within the recognised central repository and provide feedback on the efficient operation of e-tending tools.
Managing the efficient use of the central contract repository system for storing of all completed contracts, contract approval forms and other formal documentary evidence of approvals according to governance procedures.
To ensure all aspects of regulatory compliance (noting UCR/Procurement Act 2023 procedures) are adhered to in regard to the respective procurement policies and external requirements.
Responsible for ensuring completion of periodic reporting requirements.
Any other reasonable requests or requirements to support the Procurement function as directed by the Head of Procurement.

You’ll need:

A desire to pursue a career in the railway industry.
Ability to identify and deliver innovative solutions
Ability to develop and manage collaborative business relationships both internally and externally
Commercial awareness
Advanced IT skills including use of Microsoft suite (Excel, Word & Powerpoint)
Strong report writing and presentation skills
Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities and objectives
Confidence, poise with ability to relate to and communicate with senior stakeholders
Highly organised with ability to work autonomously and prioritise own workload to meet pre-defined objectives
Proven ability to meet deadlines and targets
Ability to work autonomously within a defined scope
Willingness to undergo training and development to enhance skills and knowledge in the role.
A dedication to upholding the company’s values and delivering exceptional service to customers.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths
Please note this is a 2 year fixed term contract and you will complete an 18 month Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship.

The Reward:

In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including;

Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
75% discount on many other train operating companies
Full training and support with development
Excellent pension scheme

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.

Tagged as: contract manager