Head of Procurement

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As part of the Transport UK Group, West Midlands Trains delivers around 1,300 train journeys a day, for more than 60 million passengers a year, across our two brands - West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway.

We are committed to delivering a safe and reliable train service, by investing in our fleet of trains, stations and employees. As part of this investment, we are looking to recruit a Head of Procurement on a full-time, permanent basis, based in Birmingham.

To provide senior leadership, vision and drive to the West Midlands Trains Procurement function, with accountability for delivery of all procurement related activity to the Client (DfT), the Group and wider business and to ensure these activities are carried out efficiently, effectively and in line with the relevant standards, regulations and contractual requirements.

What does the job involve?

• Provide leadership, strategic direction and coaching to professional procurement staff, acting as role model for performance and behavioural standards.
• Accountable for all aspects of Procurement activity in liaison with DfT on TOC related activities, including management of effective controls and guidance to the business, the Group and the Executive
• Develop systems and procedures to ensure the efficient and effective management of the company's procurement activities, ensuring company policies comply with the relevant legislation (UCR and PA23), contractual requirements and that group policies are followed.
• Act as the main point of contact to external parties (e.g. DfT / Auditors) on Procurement activity and provide all required information.
• Management of Business Plan, overall pipeline of upcoming activity and forecast commitments from a Procurement perspective.
• Update and maintain knowledge on procurement policy developments and regulations, briefing the business and relevant colleagues and making recommendations and proposals for change that will improve the company's performance and controls.
• Work cross-functionally with other departments supporting business initiatives, aimed at improving corporate outcomes, including train service performance, customer focus, profitability and enhancing social value.
• Work with the Group to ensure full compliance with all Affiliate related activity and Handover pack responsibilities.
• Provide effective Corporate Governance of procurement and other activities as required, including senior stakeholder management, to deliver improved outcomes in disciplines such as internal audit, corporate risk and centralised support functions

What skills and experience do I need to do the job?

• Professional Procurement qualification with significant post qualification experience.
• Experienced and highly credible leader with people and leadership skills gained in at a senior level, with the ability to lead, develop and motivate a team to deliver results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills at all levels of the business, with an ability to explain complex Procurement issues to a non-subject matter audience.
• Experience of rail or similar transport / franchise industry.
• Honesty and Integrity - Is transparent and honest and takes full responsibility for actions.
• Commercial awareness - demonstrates a broad-based view of issues, events and activities and a perception of their longer-term impact or wider implications.
• Excellent quantitative and analytical skills.

What are the salary and benefits?

• Salary: up to £90,000 Per Annum DOE + excellent benefits
• Free travel on all our trains and those of other train companies within our parent group company - for you, your partner and any dependent children
• 75% off all other train company travel tickets
• Retail discounts
• Career development opportunities

Due to the volume of applications we receive the advert may close earlier than the published closing date. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

As an inclusive employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and ensure no-one receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender, race/ethnicity, religion, belief and sexual orientation.

Applications will be considered from colleagues with 6 months experience, after completion of their probationary period and a full check of absence and disciplinary records.