Category Manager HVAC and Couplers – Service Division in Liverpool

We are recruiting! Are you passionate about the future of rail transport? Do you want to be part of a team that’s shaping the next generation of trains using cutting‑edge technology? Look no further! We are seeking an experienced Category Manager for managing HVAC & couplers to lead strategic procurement activities for two technically critical systems across our fleet. This role offers a rare opportunity to operate at the interface between engineering, operations, and global procurement.

Who we are: SRSUK is a proud subsidiary of Stadler Rail AG Switzerland. At SRSUK we take pride in delivering high‑class services for our modern trains across the UK. Our established presence in passenger rail, combined with our expanding expertise in freight rail, positions us as a leading service supplier in the UK rail industry. We are dedicated to continuous growth and technical innovation, in line with our ambitious business strategy.

Why Join Us:

• Innovative Environment: Working in a fast‑paced, results‑orientated environment, you will proactively work alongside your team to ensure services are available.
• Growth and Development: You will be part of a dynamic company committed to the development of our people, offering opportunities for learning and career development.
• Passionate Team: You will work with a dedicated team to deliver and provide an essential service successfully collaborating with key stakeholders.
• Customer‑Centric Approach: You will work effectively to ensure the needs and expectations of our service users are supplied with the highest standards of service.

What We’re Looking For: We’re seeking proactive individuals who align with our company KPI’s and values. If you are looking to make a difference and deliver high quality service then we want to hear from you.

What We Will Offer You In Return:

• 36 hour contract
• Competitive salary
• 25 annual leave days plus 8 days bank holiday
• 6 month probation period
• Enhanced Maternity Policy
• Enhanced Paternity Policy
• Defined contribution pension scheme with Scottish Widows – Auto‑enrolment at 4% matched contribution rate with the option to increase up to 10% which remains.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Company paid membership of cashback health plan with Healthshield

Role Overview: As a Category Manager for the HVAC & couplers, you will be responsible for developing and executing category strategies across spare parts, wear components, overhauls, and technical services for these safety‑and availability‑critical systems, aligning with supply chain analysis data. Working UK‑based but embedded within Stadler’s divisional based in Switzerland procurement organisation, you will lead supplier strategies, manage complex negotiations, and drive total cost of ownership (TCO) optimisation across the full‑service lifecycle. This role is ideally suited to an established rail professional who understands long‑term service contracts, fleet performance drivers, and the realities of operating assets in traffic.

Key Responsibilities:

• Category Strategy & Governance: Develop, implement, and maintain category strategies for HVAC and coupler systems across Stadler Rail Service, proactively contribute to the wider global commodity group strategy, working in close coordination with Stadler manufacturing plants and engineering teams. Act as the commercial owner for assigned categories, ensuring alignment with service, availability, and lifecycle objectives.
• Cost, Value & TCO Optimisation: Identify and deliver cost reduction and value creation opportunities, with strong emphasis on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO); lead continuous improvement initiatives across pricing, supplier performance, lead time, and inventory optimisation; ensure commercial decisions support long‑term fleet reliability and contractual service commitments.
• Supply Chain & Market Analysis: Conduct in‑depth supply chain and risk analyses to ensure robustness and continuity of supply; benchmark international supplier markets, technologies, and commercial models; develop sourcing and mitigation strategies for obsolescence, single‑source risk, and long‑lead‑time items.
• Supplier & Contract Management: Build, maintain, and actively manage strategic supplier relationships; lead complex price and contract negotiations, including long‑term and framework agreements; ensure contracts support performance management, availability, and service outcomes.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with Engineering, Service Operations, Projects, and Finance; act as a trusted interface between technical teams and suppliers.

Experience Skills:

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related discipline or / and CIPS qualification (Level 4 minimum preferred) or actively working towards Professionally recognised supply chain or procurement qualifications.
• 5 years’ experience in strategic procurement, category management, or supply chain management.
• Experience working within a rail, industrial, or asset intensive environment, ideally including aftermarket or service operations.
• Proven track record of leading complex commercial negotiations.
• Strong capability in working with engineering led and cross functional teams.
• Excellent analytical skills with a strong fact based decision making approach.
• High levels of commercial and financial awareness.
• Confident, credible communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
• Results focused, structured, and comfortable balancing strategic priorities with operational demands.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Must have the right to work in the UK.
• Must be able to travel UK and international when required.

Desirable:

• German language skills (basic to conversational), or willingness to develop – beneficial given reporting line and stakeholder interaction with Switzerland and wider Stadler Group.
• Experience working in international organisations, managing cross‑border stakeholders and suppliers.

Systems, Tools & Data:

• SAP experience, particularly within procurement, materials management, or service supply chains.
• Experience using ERP driven demand planning, MRP, or inventory optimisation tools.
• Ability to work with data heavy environments, translating analysis into clear commercial recommendations.
• Exposure to BI or reporting tools (e.g. Power BI) as an advantage.

Rail & Technical Environment:

• Background in rail vehicle systems or comparable engineered assets (HVAC, couplers, braking, doors, traction, bogies, etc.).
• Understanding of aftermarket / service supply chains, long term maintenance contracts, and asset lifecycle support.
• Familiarity with rail standards, certifications, or safety critical components.
• Experience supporting fleet introductions, modifications, or mid life overhauls.