At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities to support fleet maintenance and service delivery across the rail network.
- Company: Join CAF Rail UK, a global leader in rail innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, competitive salary, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a positive work environment focused on inclusivity.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that enhances safety and reliability for commuters using cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Procurement/Supply Chain or related field; experience in procurement preferred.
ABOUT CAF
Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community. Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers. Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be! We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way.
What can you expect from CAF?
- Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
- Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
- Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
- Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
- Cutting-edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.
What will be your role in the company?
The Operations Buyer plays a critical role within the UK Supply Chain function, responsible for the end-to-end management of operational procurement activities to support fleet maintenance and service delivery across the rail network. The role ensures the timely, accurate, and cost-effective procurement of materials and services, aligned with demand requirements, inventory management policies, and Category Management strategies. Working closely with the Demand Team, Category Manager, and key internal stakeholders you will ensure material availability to support preventative, corrective, and overhaul maintenance activities, minimising downtime and operational risk. The role requires proactive supplier management, including sourcing, negotiation, order expediting, and performance monitoring to ensure suppliers meet agreed service, quality, and delivery expectations. A strong focus is placed on data accuracy within ERP systems, cost control (including Total Cost of Ownership), and continuous improvement of procurement processes in line with UK rail industry standards and organisational objectives.
What salary will you be paid for this role?
As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a starting salary between £33,000 and a maximum £38,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications.
What will make you successful in this position?
- ACADEMIC &/OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a Procurement/Supply Chain, Business, or a related field. Working towards CIPS and qualified to foundation level 4.
- Proven experience in procurement or purchasing roles, preferably within the rail or transportation industry.
- Strong understanding of supply chain operations and supplier performance metrics.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management capabilities.
- Familiarity with ERP and procurement systems - ideally SAP with experience of S4/HANA.
Other requirements and/or aspects to be assessed
ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER
A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF. Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), not forgetting to mention our generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme just to name a few!
Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF. As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree-planting, company-wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees. We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!
Operations Buyer in Stockport employer: CAF Group
At CAF Rail UK, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a positive work environment that fosters mutual respect and team spirit. Our commitment to professional development, coupled with the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology, ensures that our employees can thrive and grow in their careers. With competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a strong focus on social responsibility, working in Machynlleth means being part of a forward-thinking company dedicated to enhancing the commuting experience for all passengers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Buyer in Stockport
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like CAF Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Buyer in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to CAF Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to CAF Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like CAF Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at CAF Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at CAF Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at CAF Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into CAF Group's culture.
