Procurement Manager - Operations

Job Description

Procurement Manager – Operations

BUSINESS FUNCTION: Finance
SALARY: £50,000 - £58,000 DOE
ROLE TYPE: Hybrid
HOURS: 37 per week

CONTRACT: Full Time/ Hybrid
LOCATION: York/Leeds/Manchester

People across the North rely on Northern to keep them moving, and our procurement team plays a key role in making that happen. As Procurement Manager – Operations, you’ll be working on some of Northern’s key contracts which help support a customer focused railway.

This is a strategic role with plenty of hands-on involvement. Every contract you deliver helps strengthen the network, improve reliability and support journeys for millions of people across the North.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll manage a portfolio of operations procurement categories, working closely with colleagues across the business to support operational plans and projects. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and managing procurement programmes for major operations projects

• Creating sourcing strategies with key stakeholders

• Preparing tender documentation and managing the end-to-end procurement process

• Identifying effective commercial solutions and securing the necessary approvals

• Providing updates and insight to senior stakeholders

• Supporting and guiding colleagues within the procurement team

About you

You’ll have experience delivering procurement in a complex or regulated environment, ideally within operations, technical or capital-intensive sectors. You’ll be comfortable balancing day-to-day operational needs with longer-term planning.

You’ll bring:

• Strong procurement experience in operations or technical environments

• Knowledge of frameworks such as the Procurement Act 2023 and Utilities & Public Contracts Regulations 2016

• A proactive, solution-focused approach

• Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills

• Clear and confident communication

If you have MCIPS, or you’re working towards it, that’s great – but not essential. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, work collaboratively and deliver results.

What’s in it for you?

At Northern, we don’t just value our people - we go the extra mile to support them. Here’s a taste of what you can look forward to:

• Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
• Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
• Enhanced Family Benefits: We offer 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
• Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
• Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
• Training and Career Development: We offer tailored training to our colleagues and opportunities to gain recognised qualifications. Plus enhanced career pathways no matter what part of the business you’re in.
• Recognition: We know how important it is to show how much we appreciate our people. That’s why we have our Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards, recognising and celebrating brilliance every day.

Why Northern?

We’re more than just a train operator. We’re the heartbeat of the North – connecting communities, creating opportunities, and driving sustainable growth. With 2,500 trains running daily, we’re on a mission to improve rail travel and enhance the customer experience while protecting the environment.

Back in 1825, the first passenger train set off in the North of England, beginning a journey that would transform travel across the world. We’ve recently celebrated 200 years of the modern railway and, as we reflect on that legacy, our focus is now on the future as Great British Rail takes shape. Join us at this pivotal moment in rail history and play your part in our journey.

A place for everyone

The best journeys happen when everyone feels welcome on board.

At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview.

We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to make sure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.

No matter your background, experience, or whether you call it a bap, barm, or cob… there’s a place for you here in the railway.