At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Purchasing and Supply Chain team to optimise operations and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Wabtec UK, a global leader in rail solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and professional growth in a diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on transportation while developing your career in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualified or working towards it, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager to join our team at Wabtec UK based in Birkenhead where we support our customers through maintenance and operation optimisation with customised solutions for spare parts, repair, and overhaul activities on existing trains.
Role: Purchasing Manager
Salary: £Competitive
Onsite Location: Birkenhead, Wirral, Merseyside (CH41 1LF)
Hours: Monday to Friday 08:00am to 16:30pm and Friday 08:00am to 13:00pm
Contract Type: Full time, fixed term contract to March 2024 with the potential to go permanent.
How will you make a difference?
To lead the Purchasing and Supply Chain function by developing people, managing strategic supplier relationships, driving Quality, Cost and Delivery performance, and implementing effective sourcing strategies that support business growth, operational excellence and long-term profitability.
What will your typical day look like?
- Lead, develop and motivate the Purchasing & Supply Chain team, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, driving supplier performance across Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD) metrics.
- Collaborate with UK and global stakeholders to establish supplier agreements, contracts and long-term sourcing strategies.
- Monitor supplier performance, implement improvement plans and support supplier development initiatives.
- Maintain purchasing KPIs, supplier performance metrics and management reporting to support informed business decisions.
- Ensure compliance with company processes, controls and governance standards while identifying opportunities for process improvement.
- Analyse spend, savings, inventory and supplier performance data, implementing actions to optimise supply chain effectiveness.
- Work closely with internal and global procurement teams to standardise best practices and deliver strategic supply chain improvements.
What do we want to know about you?
- CIPS qualified (or working towards qualification).
- Ability to prioritise workloads and work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
- Commercially focused with sound business acumen and contract management expertise.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience of performance management, employee development, coaching and engagement.
- Numerate, analytical and results-driven with a focus on continuous improvement.
- IT proficient, including Microsoft Office and business systems.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.
Legal authorisation: Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required. We will not sponsor individuals for employment visas, now or in the future, for this job opening.
Additional Information:
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other. If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we? Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Purchasing Manager in Liverpool employer: Wabtec Corporation
Wabtec Corporation is an exceptional employer located in Lincoln, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and teamwork within the Napier Turbocharger division. Employees benefit from a strong focus on continuous improvement, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards in manufacturing. Join us to be part of a culture that values your contributions and supports your growth in the engineering field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager in Liverpool
✨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 Wabtec Corporation.
✨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 Purchasing Manager in Liverpool
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 Wabtec Corporation:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Wabtec Corporation. 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 Wabtec Corporation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec Corporation
✨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 Wabtec Corporation!
✨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 Wabtec Corporation. 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 Wabtec Corporation's culture.
