Supplier Contracts Specialist

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.

Key Information

Vacancy Details

Number of Positions:

1

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

Location Map