Application Deadline:

18 July 2025Department:

ProcurementLocation:

Derby

Description

About usPorterbrook is the UK’s leading rolling stock financier and asset management company. We’ve been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades with 4000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight trains.

As a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future, we’ve invested over £3.5bn in new rolling stock and we’re actively looking to invest a further £1bn in the years ahead. Since 2020, this includes over £550 million in new trains, fleet upgrades, traction innovation and rail infrastructure.

Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we’ve been named the global sector leader in the annual GRESB sustainability assessment for the last four years.

Our teams are leading some of the most exciting innovations taking place in the railway today at our sites in Derby, London, and the 135-acre Long Marston Rail Innovation Centre in Warwickshire – an invaluable asset for the railway to test and trial new traction technologies.

Our values

About the teamOur procurement team consists of specialists based in Derby and Long Marston. The team work closely with all departments in the procurement of goods and services, both engineering and non-engineering.

About the role

A great opportunity for an exceptional Senior Category Buyer, to join the Porterbrook team.

Role PurposeResponsible for supporting Category Managers in the sourcing of materials and services to support the category strategies underpinning the procurement requirements of the business. Ensuring that the best value for money is obtained, while adhering to the highest level of quality and supplier performance.

Acting as the interface between the engineering/project management function and rest of the team, ensuring that all service levels are achieved, and issues/warranties are escalated in a timely manner. Developing an understanding of synergies that may exist across the different categories/fleets/projects across the business to ensure all procurements are achieving optimum efficiency.

ResponsibilitiesImplement Procurement categories strategies

Implement agreed category strategies for the procurement on key categories. These must be in line with the overall procurement strategy and will be delivered to provide the best value and quality for the business, ensuring that it remains in line with customers’ requirements and with an eye on future innovationsBe seen as the Procurement subject matter experts on their assigned categories, and the benefits they can deliver to the customer and end userManage the end-to-end procurement process for categories, from RFP through to end supplier management, including, and not limited to:Identify opportunities for new services through the use of innovative products to customersSupporting project managers with the warranty process, working with internal customers and external suppliers to resolve any disputed claimsSupporting the management of Free Issue Materials (FIM) to ensure successful delivery into projectsWhere appropriate, tracking supplier performance against the contractual service level agreements, ensuring feedback from other functions is received and acted upon. Escalate any issues in a timely manner, both externally to the supplier and internally within the commercial functionDeveloping the Procurement Function

Support the overall drive for cost efficiencies across the procurement functionSupport the development of procurement processes and systemsSupport the delivery of quality accreditations, including the ISO 20400 in sustainable procurementWorking as part of the procurement function, supporting the development of the overall strategy and annual business planActively participate in any Porterbrook supplier events and engage in a programme to manage the relationships with all suppliers on a regular basis. This will be supported by the managing of KPIs across the supply baseSupport other functions (Finance/Commercial/Fleet) in the internal planning and budgeting for WLMP/FQPSupporting Business Objectives

Support the commercial and innovation processes with knowledge of relevant categories, how they are developing and the costs for implementationSupport the project managers and other functions during the operational phase of a contract/project and be seen as the point of escalation for commercial issues with the supply baseOther Duties

Work effectively with other functions/departments, often as part of cross-functional teamsOperate in line with the organisation’s values and behavioursEnsure that all products procured comply with all environmental, ethical and health and safety legislationSupport both the function and business in the drive for continuous improvement

Skills / Experience

What you’ll need to have

An individual who is a self-starter and is effective working either alone or as part of a team to complete the job to the highest level. Excellent technical knowledge/awareness of key railway sub-systems, along with knowledge of the latest digital and electronic systems and the future opportunities offered in these areas for rail is desirableAble to take a pragmatic approach to challenges, actively solve problems before they become issues and escalating at the right time. Experience of taking full accountability for the end to end procurement processes, with a track record in achieving quality resultsAn ambitious and driven individual, with a track record in procurement. Experience of Oracle systems would be desirableEducated to degree or further education standard, preferably in either Engineering, Law, or Business ManagementAn MCIPS, or better, qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement would be preferred (or working towards this)Extensive procurement experience as a Senior Buyer, gained within an engineering environmentKnowledge of railway industry rolling stock and components, essentialLegal or commercial experience would be advantageousTrack record of working to and exceeding KPIsKnowledge of Oracle-based systemsIt would be great if you also had

Commercially astute with excellent understanding of contractingWell organised and experienced in working under pressureExperience of e-procurement systemsNumerate with strong analytical skillsMicrosoft Excel skills at intermediate levelExcellent oral and written communication skills

A great place to work

People are the heart of Porterbrook. Our close knit team is diverse, supportive and flexible. We have a collaborative work ethic both within the company and with our customers and suppliers. In recognition of this we have been awarded:

Investors in People Gold accreditationInvestors in People ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ Gold accreditationNational Rail Awards 2023 Fleet Achievement of the YearNational Rail Awards 2023 Safety Achievement of the YearThese accolades reflect the company''s dedication to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where employees are empowered to thrive.

To learn more about why Porterbrook is a great place to work please visit our website and follow us on social media.

Our benefitsWe are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with outstanding people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business. Some of our benefits are listed below:

1.5x employer contributory pension schemeFinancial wellbeing supportFlexible workingEnhanced family friendly policiesAdoption and Shared Parental Leave benefitsEnhanced Armed Forces policiesOngoing support with professional and personal developmentLong service awardsPorterbrook Star awardsLife assuranceHealthcare cash plan25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leaveAdditional days annual leave for long serviceSeason ticket loanShould you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.

Equal OpportunitiesWe aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us on our journey.

AccessibilityWe’re committed to helping you perform at your best throughout the recruitment process. If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please get in touch with us at recruitment@porterbrook.co.uk We’ll be happy to discuss how we can assist.

To applyPlease follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.

This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.

What happens next?Once your application has been reviewed, our recruitment team will be in contact.

Our interview process is typically two stages to ensure a thorough evaluation while providing a chance for you to showcase your skills and fit for our team. This approach allows us to engage in meaningful discussions, assess your qualifications more comprehensively, and ensure a mutual alignment with our company values. If you''re ready to take the next step in your career, we look forward to meeting you!

Please note we are not accepting approaches from recruitment agencies for this role.

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