Procurement Manager

Application Deadline: 14 October 2025

Department: Commercial

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Milton Keynes

Reporting To: Procurement Director

East West Rail is an infrastructure programme linking communities between Oxford and Cambridge. The area is currently let down by a lack of transport choices, and we have a once in a generation opportunity to fix that - improving prosperity for people and places along the way.

East West Railway Company (that's us) was created by the Department for Transport (DfT) to oversee the delivery of East West Rail from construction through to wheels in motion, making sure the railway comes together in the right way.

At East West Railway Company, we're committed to building an inclusive railway for all. We believe that to do that, we must nurture a diverse team that represents the UK communities that we impact. Our approach is simple - to create an environment where everyone is welcome and able to be themselves. We celebrate diversity and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications of all backgrounds and experiences.

Role Summary:

This role will be responsible for leading and managing the procurement of contracts to support the delivery of the Programme. This role involves developing procurement strategies, overseeing high-value and complex procurement activities, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational standards, while coordinating closely with the commercial strategy and contract management teams. This role would be well-suited to an experienced senior procurement leader with a track record of managing complex procurement in a fast paced construction environment and influencing at executive and stakeholder levels.

Function:

The Commercial function provides commercial and procurement capability across the programme lifecycle, including strategy (setting the commercial strategy and advising risk allocation underpinning the delivery strategy), delivering procurement activities for the goods and services required to deliver the asset and run EWR Co, and delivering contract management services for the complex network of suppliers supporting EWR Co. Across all three of these domains the commercial function will run governance and reporting to measure compliance and provide commercial assurance.

Responsibilities and accountabilities:

• Responsible for managing the procurement of contracts to support the delivery of the programme. This role involves coordinating procurement activities, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and organisational standards, while working closely with the commercial strategy and contract management teams.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies for large-scale and complex works contracts.
• Conduct market analysis to identify potential suppliers and assess market conditions.
• Work with the Supply Chain team to undertake market engagement and test alignment to wider HMG and construction policy.
• Lead and manage the end-to-end procurement process, from tendering to contract award including the preparation and issue of tender documents, evaluation of proposals, and management of the selection process to support overall business objectives.
• Support the development of the procurement team, including Assistant Procurement Managers and Apprentices.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and internal policies throughout the procurement process including issue of relevant public notices and reporting to Cabinet Office and DfT.
• Collaborate with the contract management team to ensure smooth transition post-contract award, continuing to support Contract Management through any stage 1 contracts or early contractor involvement.
• Monitor and report on procurement performance, identifying and addressing any issues.
• Work closely with the Commercial Strategy and Assurance team to align procurement activities with overall business objectives and governance processes.
• Take responsibility of your own and others' health and safety by adopting and working to the EWR Co Health and Safety principles. Demonstrates a cost-conscious mindset, keeping tax payers' money at the forefront of decisions.
• Shows a commitment to innovation by proactively seeking creative solutions to challenges and opportunities.
• Act as a role model for EWR Co's vision and behaviours, working in ways that are aligned with EWR Co's Ways of Working, as well as encouraging and supporting others to do so too.

Essential:

• Experience in procurement, specifically in infrastructure or construction projects.
• Strong understanding of procurement processes and regulations i.e. Public Contract Regulations.
• Strong understanding of NEC forms of contract and pricing options.
• Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience of e-Sourcing tools (Jaggaer an advantage).

Desirable:

• Relevant degree desirable, such as surveying, engineering, law, finance or MBA
• Member of a relevant professional body e.g. CIPS

What we offer:

• Competitive base salary
• Up to 12% employer's pension contribution
• 36 days holiday a year (including bank holidays) + up to 2 days to buy
• Life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a range of benefits on the Perkbox platform
• On-the-spot and annual awards
• Advanced learning and development programmes
• Great work-life balance and flexible working opportunities
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Exceptional IT tools

EWR Co strives to embrace a flexible working environment, where a degree of flexibility is maintained to accommodate both the needs and preferences of employees and what is required to achieve business objectives. EWR Co will always work with any individual to assess and accommodate an individual's work life balance and style.

Diversity and Inclusion:

To discover the best solutions, it's important we embrace diversity of thought. That's why we aim to ensure our colleagues feel included, engaged and valued. Inclusiveness is not a buzzword, but a way of being. Our approach to diversity is simple - a workplace where everyone is welcome and everyone is encouraged to be themselves. It helps fuel our innovation and connects us with the customers and communities we serve.

We are open to secondments through the Rail Industry Talent Exchange Programme.