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- Tasks: Support Category Managers in sourcing materials and services for procurement strategies.
- Company: Join Porterbrook, the UK's leading rolling stock financier with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent pension, healthcare cash plan, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving innovation in the railway industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, Law, or Business Management; MCIPS preferred.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and long service awards.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
Application Deadline: 28 March 2025
Department: Procurement
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Derby
About us
Porterbrook is the UK's leading rolling stock financier and asset management company, and a partner that adds value to the railway today and for the future. We’ve been at the heart of the rail network for over three decades and own a quarter of the national passenger rail fleet, with 4,000 vehicles in our diverse portfolio of passenger and freight rolling stock. Porterbrook mobilises private finance to drive growth and deliver a safe, efficient and sustainable railway. Sustainability is embedded in our decision making, and we innovate to deliver greener and smarter rail solutions.
About the team
Our procurement team consists of specialists based in Derby and Long Marston. The team works closely with all departments in the procurement of goods and services, both engineering and non-engineering.
Key Responsibilities
Role Purpose
Responsible for supporting Category Managers in the sourcing of materials and services to support the category strategies underpinning the procurement requirements of the business. Ensuring that the best value for money is obtained, while adhering to the highest level of quality and supplier performance. Acting as the interface between the engineering/project management function and the rest of the team, ensuring that all service levels are achieved, and issues/warranties are escalated in a timely manner. Developing an understanding of synergies that may exist across the different categories/fleets/projects across the business to ensure all procurements are achieving optimum efficiency.
Responsibilities
- Implement Procurement categories strategies
- Implement agreed category strategies for the procurement on key categories.
- Be seen as the Procurement subject matter experts on their assigned categories.
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process for categories, from RFP through to end supplier management.
- Identify opportunities for new services through the use of innovative products to customers.
- Support project managers with the warranty process.
- Support the management of Free Issue Materials (FIM).
- Track supplier performance against the contractual service level agreements.
- Escalate any issues in a timely manner.
Developing the Procurement Function
- Support the overall drive for cost efficiencies across the procurement function.
- Support the development of procurement processes and systems.
- Support the delivery of quality accreditations, including the ISO 20400 in sustainable procurement.
- Work as part of the procurement function, supporting the development of the overall strategy and annual business plan.
- Actively participate in any Porterbrook supplier events.
- Support other functions in the internal planning and budgeting.
Supporting Business Objectives
- Support the commercial and innovation processes with knowledge of relevant categories.
- Support the project managers and other functions during the operational phase of a contract/project.
Other Duties
- Work effectively with other functions/departments.
- Operate in line with the organisation's values and behaviours.
- Ensure that all products procured comply with all environmental, ethical and health and safety legislation.
- Support both the function and business in the drive for continuous improvement.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
General Requirements
- Self-starter, effective working alone or as part of a team.
- Excellent technical knowledge/awareness of key railway sub-systems.
- Able to take a pragmatic approach to challenges.
- Experience of taking full accountability for the end to end procurement processes.
- An ambitious and driven individual, with a track record in procurement.
- Experience of Oracle systems would be desirable.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree or further education standard, preferably in Engineering, Law, or Business Management.
- An MCIPS qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement would be preferred.
Knowledge
- Extensive procurement experience as a Senior Buyer, gained within an engineering environment.
- Knowledge of railway industry rolling stock and components, essential.
- Legal or commercial experience would be advantageous.
Key Skills
- Commercially astute with excellent understanding of contracting.
- Well organised and experienced in working under pressure.
- Experience of e-procurement systems (desirable).
- Numerate with strong analytical skills.
- Microsoft Excel skills at intermediate level.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
A great place to work
We are seeking the very best talent to join the team, and offer an excellent salary, along with bonus and benefits. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a great organisation with excellent people and a road map for the future to grow and develop the business.
Some of our benefits are listed below:
- Excellent pension scheme.
- Financial wellbeing support.
- Flexible working.
- Enhanced family friendly policies.
- Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits.
- Enhanced Armed Forces policies.
- Ongoing support with professional and personal development.
- Long service awards start at 1 year, with an additional day of annual leave every 5 years.
- Porterbrook Star awards.
- Life assurance.
- Healthcare cash plan.
- 25 days' annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days' additional leave.
- Additional days annual leave for long service.
- Season ticket loan.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Free parking at our Derby and Long Marston sites.
Should you be suitable for the role, the full benefits package will be discussed in more detail during your screening call.
To apply, please follow the link at the top of this page to send your CV and a covering email with full details of why you would be a great addition to the Porterbrook team, along with details of your current salary and notice period.
If you have a disability or need any reasonable adjustments during the application and selection stages, please let us know. We’re committed to building an inclusive culture where everyone can develop to their full potential.
This vacancy may close at any time once sufficient applications have been received. Early submission of your application is therefore encouraged.
Please note we are not accepting approaches from recruitment agencies for this role.
Senior Category Buyer employer: Porterbrook
Contact Detail:
Porterbrook Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the railway industry, particularly rolling stock and procurement processes. Understanding the specific challenges and innovations in this sector will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those with experience in engineering environments. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed procurement processes in the past. Be ready to discuss specific KPIs you've met or exceeded, as this will showcase your ability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Porterbrook's values and recent projects to align your responses during interviews. Showing that you understand their commitment to sustainability and innovation will highlight your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, particularly in the railway industry. Emphasise your achievements and how they align with the responsibilities of a Senior Category Buyer.
Craft a Compelling Cover Email: In your cover email, clearly articulate why you are a great fit for the role. Mention specific skills and experiences that relate to the job description, and express your enthusiasm for joining Porterbrook.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications such as MCIPS or experience with Oracle systems, make sure to mention these prominently. They are highly valued for this position and can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: Provide examples in your application of how you've effectively solved procurement challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to take a pragmatic approach and manage issues proactively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Porterbrook
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the key responsibilities of a Senior Category Buyer. Familiarise yourself with procurement strategies, supplier management, and how to achieve value for money while maintaining quality.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in procurement, especially within an engineering environment. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed end-to-end procurement processes and achieved quality results.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of the Railway Industry
Since this role is within the railway sector, it's crucial to show your understanding of railway sub-systems and components. Discuss any relevant experience or knowledge you have about rolling stock and how it relates to procurement.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare insightful questions to ask your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the company's sustainability initiatives, the procurement team's structure, or how they measure success in this role.
