Procurement Business Partner
London, Birmingham (Hybrid)
Chiltern Railways operate between the West Midlands and London, providing journey options to Aylesbury, Oxford, Birmingham, Stratford-Upon-Avon and other destinations.
We are looking for a Procurement Business Partner, which can be based from any of our sites (with hybrid working), to help bridge the gap between the Procurement Team and the wider business. This is a pivotal role in a small and dynamic team, undertaking strategic procurement activity and also supporting leading the the monthly Business Partner Meetings. You will be an experienced buyer with both cost out experience and procurement knowledge, who is looking to make a positive impact within a changing environment. An excellent communication manner is important as you will be dealing daily with internal and external stakeholders using a variety of communication methods. You will need to be proactive, able to cope with multiple activities simultaneously and work to strictly agreed deadlines on a daily basis.
Supports the procurement team with implementation of procurement procedures in keeping with the Chiltern Procurement Policy and ensures adherence by business units
Ensures continuous improvement in procurement processes and procedures
Supports the Procurement team in developing and maintaining a plan of all procurement activity to meet business needs
Conducts procurement activity including strategic sourcing. Understanding of the supply market including, who the major players are, understanding of key supplier strengths and weaknesses, including social value impact, cost structures within the category, typical margins, what the major costs are for suppliers
Understand how to leverage Chiltern buying power and the potential leverage through consolidation
Able to examine/understand the key elements needed in partnership options relevant for that category
Demonstrates evidence of deploying strategic sourcing processes within role
Sound knowledge of contract terms and conditions.
Knowledge of contractual techniques to minimise risk and maximise commercial opportunities with suppliers
Knowledge of policies and legislation that impact on contract formulation
Able to engage the supply base early in the process, identify the aspects that could be issues and know when to engage legal to resolve the issues before the final negotiations on price, service, and quality
Supports the Procurement Manager and Head of Procurement in their roles as procurement work stream leader for key business projects, coordinating all procurement activity from sourcing the market, through to formalising the procurement strategy, carrying out the procurement activity, through to contract award
Partners with key stakeholders across the business to understand key requirements for their business units as well as contracted versus uncontracted suppliers to generate savings
Commercially focused and numbers driven
Demonstrated experience in the procurement process
Recognised as a trusted partner
Consistently delivers the best outcome for all parties
Fosters a productive and motivated team spirit
Excellent written and verbal communication
Experience working with stakeholders and business units
Studying towards CIPS
At Chiltern , we work in an environment where diversity is essential, inclusion is our culture, and each person knows they belong and matter.
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a culture of respect, challenge and innovation – with excellent opportunities for growth and development.
Our benefits include:
- All active staff and their eligible partners/dependants are entitled to free standard class leisure travel on Chiltern Railways, Cross Country, Arriva Rail London, Grand Central and NEXUS
- Active staff are also entitled to residential and duty standard class travel on all of the above services
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Arriva Village - access to online benefits and discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Physio Line - We offer complementary 24-hour physio for everyone
- Health Shield - Health Shield provides an affordable healthcare cash plan offering a wide variety of benefits including dental, optical, and physiotherapy
- Eye Care - You’re entitled to free eye tests and if you need glasses for computer use we will pay up to £80.00 towards your lenses and frames
- We offer 25 days annual leave as well as statutory holidays
- Flexible working
- Support - Peer Support, Samaritans, and Railway Chaplains
At Arriva we acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success..