Commodity Manager

Your new role We have an exciting opportunity for a Commodity Manager to join our Procurement function, taking ownership of a portfolio of commodities supporting our Rolling Stock Manufacturing, Service and Maintenance activities. This is a commercially focused role where you’ll manage procurement activity across the full source-to-contract lifecycle, from developing commodity and sourcing plans through to supplier evaluation, negotiation, contract award and ongoing supplier performance.

About Hitachi

• Hybrid About Us A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy.
• With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology.
• From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into.
• And that’s where you come in.
• At Hitachi Rail, there is a place for everyone.
• We welcome and value differences in background, age, gender, sexuality, family status, disability, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, and world view.
• It is our commitment to create an inclusive environment - we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
• We would be delighted if you would be one of our followers at https://www.linkedin.com/company/hitachirail

Responsibilities

• Working closely with stakeholders across the business and our supply base, you’ll have the opportunity to influence sourcing decisions, identify value-chain improvements and ensure the right commercial agreements are in place to support our operational requirements.
• Some key responsibilities Develop and deliver commodity plans for your portfolio, aligned to the wider category strategy.
• Develop procurement and sourcing strategies for new contract opportunities.
• Identify, assess and establish suitable suppliers.
• Lead sourcing events including RFX and e-auctions.
• Evaluate supplier proposals and provide recommendations to the business.
• Lead commercial negotiations covering contract terms and provisions, through to contract approval and award.
• Support material and vendor set-up within ERP/MRP systems across Hitachi Rail entities.
• Lead contract handovers with Manufacturing, Service & Maintenance teams and Contract Managers.
• Act as an escalation point for contract claims and exceptional cases of supplier non-performance.
• Conduct supplier performance and risk reviews, including financial and capacity considerations.
• Identify and manage value-chain improvement opportunities.
• Work closely with Operational Procurement teams to support the on-time and on-budget delivery of materials and services.
• About you We’re looking for a commercially minded procurement professional who is confident managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and working across different areas of a complex organisation.

Requirements

• Strong supplier negotiation skills, including negotiating contractual provisions.
• A good understanding of contract law and contract drafting across different products and services.
• Strong commercial acumen and an appreciation of cost-saving methodologies such as value engineering and logistics optimisation.
• Experience of working effectively within cross-functional teams.
• Good working knowledge of SAP, including POs, Material Master, PIR and contract management.
• Experience and understanding of Contract Lifecycle Management tools.
• Good Excel and wider Microsoft Office skills.
• Excellent communication, organisation and stakeholder-management skills.
• A highly organised and methodical approach, with the motivation to work independently and solve problems.
• Flexibility to travel is important.
• The role can involve travel between UK locations including London and Newton Aycliffe , potentially up to weekly, alongside occasional international travel depending on project requirements.

Preferred

• Previous commodity management experience, although this doesn’t need to have been gained within the rail industry.
• Experience working within a manufacturing or service & maintenance environment.

Benefits

• We value the importance of all of our employees.
• If you would like to join our fantastic organisation, you could be entitled to: Competitive salary
• Potential opportunity for annual performance-related bonus 25 days holiday
• Pension scheme with contributions up to 9% Private medical insurance
• Personal Accident Insurance Group Income Protection Group Life Insurance Employee Assistance Programme We also offer additional perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle. #LI-GF1 Thank you for your interest in Hitachi Rail.

Location

Newton Aycliffe, Durham, United Kingdom Job ID: R0110882 Date Posted: 2026-10-22 Company Name: Hitachi Rail UK Limited Profession (Job Category): Other Job Schedule: Full time

If your application is of interest, we will be in contact. Please do not hesitate to discover more about us and our latest jobs at https://www.hitachirail.com/careers .