Assistant Procurement Manager

Job Introduction

What is the job about?

This is a fantastic opportunity to become a key component of our procurement team. The team are responsible for all purchasing requirements for the organisation and support a wide range of functions from purchase order creation, supplier management, tendering, contract and commercial support and delivering value through savings, improved contracts and supply chain efficiencies.

The purpose of this role is to support the Procurement Manager/s and the wider team across all direct categories which include but are not limited to Infrastructure, Operations and Engineering and tenders under UCR16 thresholds whilst also meeting important milestones and ensuring quality and maintaining spend within defined budgets.

An important element of these activities will be ensuring that sustainable contracts are delivered with a view for on-going management and smooth transition into operations.

In this role, you will also be responsible for managing the Minor & Intermediate Works, Rail Services and Professional Services Frameworks and collating supplier feedback and calculating annual rebate values.

When necessary, you may also find yourself covering for the Procurement Managers during annual leave or sickness.

Where will I work?

When required in the office, you will be working from our amazing Head Office based at London Bridge, but this role is a hybrid position where you will be able to work from home as well.

The hours are Monday – Friday, normal office hour

Role Responsibility

You will have a number of accountabilities and responsibilities in this role, that will include but not be limited to:

• You will be responsible for the pre-contract process for delegated requirements under UCR16 thresholds and the occasional requirements above the UCR16 thresholds under the supervision of the Procurement Manager, always ensuring compliance with Southeastern’s governance requirements.
• You will be delivering effective framework mini-competitions, Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Quotes (RFQs) in order to meet business/project requirements whilst ensuring compliance with Southeastern’s governance requirements.
• You will be managing the Minor & Intermediate Works, Rail Services and Professional Services Frameworks, including the maintenance of an up to date briefing pack, as well as being the stakeholder communications regular supplier liaison and providing feedback and monitoring accrued rebates.
• You will be ensuring project risks related to safety, information security and GDPR are escalated to the Procurement Manager for appropriate resolution.
• You will work with Contract Managers and the Procurement Manager/s in developing and supporting the delivery of agreed procurement strategies.
• You will be working with internal stakeholders to ensure goods & services are appropriately specified and KPIs are developed for call-offs and contracts.
• You will regularly report and effectively communicate to the Procurement team and wider stakeholders.
• You will be supporting the Procurement Manager/s and wider team in assisting stakeholders on procurement procedures, processes and governance in achieving project objectives.
• You will be undertaking market engagement and researching and developing new or existing suppliers to meet the operational needs of the business.
• You will be regularly liaising with Finance Business Partners to ascertain project budgets and authorisations for new contracts.
• You will be ensuring that all contracts which involve supplier’s working on Southeastern sites have appropriate contractual health and safety documentation.

The Ideal Candidate

Is it for me?

Do you have a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a direct procurement, commercial or contract environment?

Then this could be the role for you!

We are looking for someone who is passionate and committed to join us and become an integral part of the Procurement team.

Do I need railway experience?

No! Although of course, this would be an advantage, it is not a requirement. Just experience of working within a direct procurement, commercial or contract environment is all you need!

Skills, experience and Knowledge:

• To have a minimum of two (2) years of working in a direct procurement, commercial or contract management environment.
• Have good understanding and experience of procure to pay (P2P) systems and processes
• Have good understanding of contractual documentation and governance requirements
• Have good understanding of e-tendering systems/tools
• Have good stakeholder management skills and experience
• Be proficient in producing reports.
• Have good experience of market engagement
• Have the ability to work closely and collaboratively with other team members.
• Have the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders within Southeastern and liaising with senior managers.
• Have the ability to express oneself confidently, honestly and effectively.
• Be able to influence others and have excellent problem-solving skills.
• Have good commercial awareness of the industry and markets.
• Have good IT skills including use of Microsoft suite (Excel, Word & PowerPoint)
• Have excellent report writing skills

Package Description

Southeastern recognises the value of every individual employee and offers benefits that reflect this.

As well as a generous salary, we offer an comprehensive benefits package which includes;

• A Contributory Final Salary Pension Scheme 
• Free rail travel on Southeastern and GTR rail services (extends to family members for leisure/educational travel)
• After a qualifying period, reduced rate travel on other train operators, including European services
• Up to 25 days annual leave entitlement (plus bank holidays)
• Private healthcare
• Access to an array of discounts for retail and leisure products through our benefits scheme.
• Family friendly benefits including enhanced maternity/paternity leave, parental leave and carers leave.

About the Company

About Southeastern

Southeastern runs train services into London from Kent and East Sussex, operating almost 1,700 trains a day, carrying more than 400,000 passengers, serving 176 stations and covering 540 miles of track.

Just over 4,600 employees - mostly from the communities that we serve - work together to provide this vital service and we are looking to expand our successful team. We have a strong set of values that shape the way we run our business and guide our staff in delivering what our customers need. These are:

• We aim to be the best
• We make the difference together
• We care passionately about our people and our passengers

We are committed to being an inclusive employer, creating a workplace where everyone can come to work, feel safe and comfortable and able to do everything to the best of their ability. Read about some of the great Diversity and Inclusion initiatives our Head of Colleague Experience has been leading on here. 

We recognise the positive value of diversity and it matters to us that our teams reflect the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We proud to be a WORK180 Endorsed Employer for Women. If you would like to know more information about how we are supporting our employees, you can view our policies and initiatives here.

We have also won the Top Employer award at the Women in Rail Awards 2022!

If you have been unsuccessful in the recruitment process for the same/similar position you will not be eligible to apply for a period of 6 months from that date.

All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years and any previous railway employment). We will also complete right to work in the UK and criminal record checks. This is to ensure we are employing the best person for the role and to protect our customers, colleagues and our reputation. We are unable to offer sponsorship to work in the UK. 

This post will close before the intended closing date should sufficient number of suitable applications be received. Therefore, if you are interested in applying for this role, we suggest that you do so at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment.

SOUTHEASTERN is owned by SE Trains Ltd, a subsidiary of the Department for Transport’s public sector owning group, ‘DOHL.’ DOHL has responsibility for three rail companies, LNER, Northern Trains Limited and SE Trains.

SE Trains Limited