Who are we?
South Western Railway (SWR) operates over 1,500 services each weekday across the network and employs more than 5,000 people. We provide easy and convenient mobility, connecting people and communities in South West London, southern counties of England, and the Isle of Wight.
The South Western Railway Apprenticeship programme has officially achieved the Silver standard from Investors in People for 'We Invest in Apprentices'
About the job
To assist the acquisition, tendering and renewal of contracts in South Western Railway (SWR), supporting the evaluation, selection and contract negotiation process, liaising with other internal functions and external organisations to maximise efficiencies.
To deputise for Procurement Managers, and other Procurement Assistants, where required.
To support the Procurement Data Analyst in updating and compiling data for weekly periodic reporting requirements, as required.
Apprenticeship Standard: Level 3
Your main responsibilities will be:
- To assist the Procurement Managers for the procurement and contract negotiation of goods and services within the business, liaising with relevant associated Procurement departments to maximise efficiencies.
- Reporting directly to the Procurement Manager(s), within your functional area of responsibility in the department and deputising for other Procurement Assistants within the function, where required.
- Preparation of ad-hoc reports, presentations and general support as requested by key stakeholders
- Support the delivery of best practice within the function through general advice to stakeholders and the reviewing and updating of related procurement processes and procedures
- Ensuring that the sourcing, contracts and R2P agreed with suppliers are aligned with SWR policies, procedures, governance and values.
- Utilisation of appropriate frameworks including National, Divisional and inter-TOC relationships.
- Ensuring that cost, risk and compliance is managed through robust contracts with approved suppliers and that trading terms and conditions are aligned with SWR legal governance, requirements and obligations
- Developing and assisting the procurement activity of supplier evaluation, selection, contract negotiation and drafting for SWR agreements, including full execution by SWR and Supplier signatories on completion.
- Support and aid in the development of a preferred supplier list that is refreshed every 6 -12 months based on commodity, category, performance and cost.
- Meeting and reviewing contracts with relevant stakeholders and contract managers around the business to deliver efficiencies and proactive contract and procurement pipeline planning within your functional area of responsibility, recording any savings achieved to contribute towards overall team savings targets
- Act as a key negotiator in terms of completing new contracts and undertaking renewals and reviews and responsible for producing Procurement Strategy and Tender Support documents
- Using the e-tendering tool for procurement projects ensuring relevant evaluation documentation is accessible within the recognised central repository and provide feedback on the efficient operation of e-tending tools.
- Managing the efficient use of the central contract repository system for storing of all completed contracts, contract approval forms and other formal documentary evidence of approvals according to governance procedures.
- To ensure all aspects of regulatory compliance (noting UCR/Procurement Act 2023 procedures) are adhered to in regard to the respective procurement policies and external requirements.
- Responsible for ensuring completion of periodic reporting requirements.
- Any other reasonable requests or requirements to support the Procurement function as directed by the Head of Procurement.
You'll need:
- A desire to pursue a career in the railway industry.
- Ability to identify and deliver innovative solutions
- Ability to develop and manage collaborative business relationships both internally and externally
- Commercial awareness
- Advanced IT skills including use of Microsoft suite (Excel, Word & Powerpoint)
- Strong report writing and presentation skills
- Flexible and adaptive to changing priorities and objectives
- Confidence, poise with ability to relate to and communicate with senior stakeholders
- Highly organised with ability to work autonomously and prioritise own workload to meet pre-defined objectives
- Proven ability to meet deadlines and targets
- Ability to work autonomously within a defined scope
- Willingness to undergo training and development to enhance skills and knowledge in the role.
- A dedication to upholding the company's values and delivering exceptional service to customers
As a minimum, you will need to have:
- GCSE grade 4 or above in English and Maths
Please note this is a 2 year fixed term contract and you will complete an 18 month Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship.
About the location
South Western Railways HQ is based on the 4th Floor at South Bank Central, a stone's throw from the River Thames and a 10 minute walk from our busiest station, Waterloo. It is local to many well-known attractions, restaurants and retail facilities and is easily accessible by public transport.
and
Overline House is conveniently situated overlooking Southampton Central Station and is easily accessible by public transport. The station is very local to West Quay, a hub for retailers and restaurants, and provides an excellent link between London, Coastal areas and the Isle of Wight.
Working pattern
Working an average of 37 hours per week over 5 days
Please note that the role could be based in either London or Southampton with the requirement for travel to both locations depending on business needs
The Reward
In return we offer a competitive salary and a variety of valuable benefits, including:
- Free duty and leisure travel on SWR services for employees
- Free leisure travel for spouse/partner and dependants (criteria dependent)
- 75% discount on many other train operating companies
- Full training and support with development
- Excellent pension scheme
We all belong at SWR. Our vision is to provide an inclusive environment for all colleagues, across its group of businesses, ensuring all candidates have an equal opportunity to access meaningful employment.
We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.
We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.
We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.
If you require additional support to complete your application due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, for example, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or autism, please follow the links below. We encourage you to share any additional needs you may require so we can provide a fair and equal process for all who apply.
https://exceptionalindividuals.com/neurodiversity/
https://www.healthassured.org/blog/neurodiversity/
