Route Services is a division of Network Rail that provides the Routes with services so they can help Network Rail deliver a better railway for a better Britain. We support the Routes with a myriad of services and supplies they need to maintain and operate the railway. To learn more, please click to watch our video.
This role sits within Supply Chain Operations (SCO), an area of the business which supplies and delivers the logistics, materials, components, rail and road fleet that enable the maintenance and renewal of the railway.
SCO keeps the materials, machinery and components required by its customers moving – making sure they are on-site when needed so work can go ahead as planned and on schedule.
About the role (External)
We are currently seeking a dynamic and organised individual to join our Switches and Crossings (S&C) team, a core group of 12 professionals, reporting directly to the Business Support Manager. This flexible role offers a variety of responsibilities across contract management, supplier relations, and continuous improvement initiatives within the S&C domain.
Within this role, you’ll provide comprehensive contract management support across eight key suppliers, ensuring smooth and effective collaboration. The role involves attending and taking minutes at Period Contract Review Meetings, logging key actions, and actively following up on outstanding tasks to ensure their timely resolution. You will trace and report on contract commitments, maintaining clarity and transparency, while also producing and maintaining periodic Supplier Performance Reports that evolve over the duration of the contract to support informed decision-making. Working closely with the S&C team, you will help identify and implement Continuous Improvement opportunities, driving efficiency and innovation. Additionally, you will offer flexible support across core S&C functions, including Maintenance, Commercial, and Renewals, contributing to the team’s overall operational success.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to adapt to evolving role requirements and possess strong communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with Suppliers, Customers and Senior Stakeholders. Exceptional organisational skills are essential, including the ability to plan meetings and deliver reports punctually. A proactive approach, coupled with a strong sense of accountability, is crucial, as is a high level of attention to detail and a commitment to data accuracy. Advanced proficiency in Excel is also required to succeed in this role.
Key accountabilities include:
* Support the management of supply chain contracts to achieve the most cost-effective delivery of goods and services.
* Collate data on all transactions incurred in delivering contracts. Investigate and reconcile transactions and costs as part of an end-to-end process.
* Develop effective relationships with customers and suppliers, drive collaboration and support problem solving.
* Develop and maintain processes for effective query resolution.
* Support the team as required, to deliver a comprehensive service to the business areas.
* Provide data, analysis and commentary for management reports.
* Assist in supporting the timely collection of business unit commercial information and payment of business unit creditors.
* Assist in identification and implementation of quality and efficiency improvement initiatives.
* Proactively monitor performance and highlight areas for improvement.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following criteria:
* Proven ability to work to tight deadlines and mandated processes with a high level of accuracy.
* Good administration and analytical skills.
* Good interpersonal and relationship building skills.
* A customer focused approach.
* Railway knowledge.
* Awareness of supply chain processes.
* Experience within a customer service role.
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