About Network Rail

Join Network Rail - Where People and Connections Matter
At Network Rail, we're dedicated to keeping passengers and freight moving safely and efficiently across the country. When you join us, you're not just part of a team - you're part of something that matters to millions. We believe that our people are at the heart of what we do, and every role plays a vital part in building a better, more connected railway. Click here to learn more.

We're committed to creating a diverse, inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. To discover more about our ED&I commitments click here. We value flexibility and understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance. As a Disability Confident Leader, we'll do everything we can to accommodate any needs throughout the recruitment process. You can visit Evenbreaks Career Hive for advice on accessibility support.

If you're ready to make a real difference, we'd love to hear from you!

Vacancy Details

Duration: Permanent

Location: This role is based in The Quadrant: MK. This role is a full-time opportunity, flexible working patterns will be considered. For Quadrant:MK, you must live within 75 miles.

Band & Salary: Band 5 £26,000 - £28,000

Who are we looking for?
We are looking for a detail-oriented and proactive individual to join our Commercial & Procurement team as a Purchasing Operations Agent. The ideal candidate will have experience in purchasing or supply chain administration, with the ability to manage requisition approvals, creating subsequent purchase orders and support compliance with procurement policies. Strong organisational skills, accuracy, and confidence using business systems are essential, along with a commitment to delivering a reliable and efficient service to our internal stakeholders.

About the team..
You’ll be joining a supportive and collaborative Commercial & Procurement team that plays a key role in keeping Britain’s railways running efficiently and safely. We work closely with a wide range of stakeholders across the business to deliver value for money, ensure compliance, and support strategic objectives. It’s a fast-paced and dynamic environment where your ideas are valued, and professional development is encouraged.

What does the average day look like?
In this role, no two days are quite the same. You’ll be delivering a high-quality procurement service, supporting colleagues across the business and ensuring their purchasing needs are met efficiently. You’ll act as an expert user of our contracts and procurement systems, offering clear guidance and accurate advice to those who need it. A typical day may see you authorising requisitions and purchase orders, responding to queries through the helpdesk, and spotting opportunities to simplify processes or reduce repetitive tasks. You’ll also play a key role in recording and escalating issues, suggesting improvements, and helping shape better ways of working for the whole team.

Essential Criteria

• Procurement experience, including deep understanding of procurement processes

• Basic knowledge of pre and post contract management techniques

• An appreciation of compliance and procurement procedures

• Demonstration of skills required to develop and maintain successful relationships with suppliers and customers

• Good communicator with demonstrable excellence is customer service

• Computer literate with competent use of MS office suite

Please see attached job description for full details.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of EU Procurement regulations

• Evidence of commercial awareness

Additional Information

Closing date: 02/09/25. On occasions, we may need to close the advert early based upon application volumes. Late applications may not be accepted.

Next Steps: Interviews will be held W/C 29/09/25, depending on business requirements.

Safe behaviour is a requirement of working for Network Rail. Applicants should be able to demonstrate their awareness of our Safety Vision

All offers of employment are conditional upon satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks. Click here for more information

Some of our great benefits:

Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered.

Generous annual leave (28 days plus statutory days), with the option to buy/sell days.

Discounts at stations with your Network Rail pass.

Defined benefit pension scheme

75% subsidy on train tickets.

️ Interest-free travel loan for train and car park season tickets.

️ Volunteer leave to make a positive impact.

Plus more .