Utilities & Commodities Procurement Manager

Working within the FM & Works category procurement team as the Utilities and Commodities Procurement Manager, you will take the lead on energy procurement strategy and the management of utilities and commodities spend across our estate. You will work with suppliers, other train operating companies, and the DfT to manage risk and deliver against financial and sustainability goals.

Northern has developed the energy procurement strategy for the entire estate in readiness for Great British Rail, presenting a real opportunity in this role to measure success, spot opportunities, solve problems, and improve outcomes for all train operating companies.

You will liaise with main energy consumers internally, from stations and traincare centres to property and engineering, where your decisions will have a significant impact. You will also serve as the primary point of contact for commercial guidance on utilities and commodities at Northern.

What you’ll be doing

You will take ownership of Northern’s utilities and commodities portfolio, ensuring optimal value while upholding environmental ambitions.

• Work with senior leaders and teams across Northern to influence utilities expenditure and identify opportunities for savings and efficiencies.
• Manage relationships with utility and commodity suppliers, meter operators, and key stakeholders, including Network Rail.
• Lead utility and commodity tender exercises, covering requirement shaping, bid evaluation, contract recommendation, and term negotiation.
• Influence and manage utilities contracts within your delegated authority, ensuring adherence to procurement policies, processes, and obligations.
• Handle claims and contractual issues, including those involving third parties for losses such as leak claims and overcharges.
• Influence the installation and maintenance of utility assets and support supplier setup at new Northern-managed locations.
• Direct site investigations as appropriate when utility issues or discrepancies are reported.
• Own the utility asset register and oversee data for Northern’s Utilities Database, resolving discrepancies with suppliers, Meter Operators, and Accounts Payable.
• Act as a subject matter expert and lead on relevant Department for Transport Operator efficiency programmes.
• Monitor industry trends and introduce beneficial new ideas and best practices to Northern.
• Represent Northern at relevant industry events and build strong relationships across the utilities and commodities sector.
• Translate complex utility information and data into clear, actionable insights for teams and senior leaders.
• Collaborate with outsourced contractors to ensure effective delivery of utility processes.

This role offers considerable variety, from negotiating commercial agreements to investigating on-site issues or collaborating with senior stakeholders on consumption reduction strategies.

About you

You should have a strong understanding of utilities and commodities, or experience in a comparable field such as asset management. You must be comfortable taking ownership, identifying opportunities, and proactively driving tasks forward.

• Experience managing utilities-related projects and delivering improvements.
• Strong commercial and contract management skills, including negotiation of complex agreements.
• Ability to build effective relationships with suppliers, internal teams, and external stakeholders.
• Confidence in communicating with and influencing senior leaders, including at Board level.
• Experience in reducing operational costs without compromising service quality.
• Good understanding of public procurement and contract law.
• Experience in a multi-site operational environment, ideally with rail exposure.
• A proven track record of driving continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.

Relevant qualifications such as CIPS, IEMA practitioner, Diploma in Contract Management, or energy management certifications are advantageous. A degree-level education is beneficial, but experience and expertise are highly valued.