At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and ensure smooth operations in purchasing and accounts payable.
- Company: Join Bearward Engineering, a dynamic division of Wabtec UK Ltd, based in Northampton.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and a supportive work environment with growth opportunities.
- Other info: We value potential and welcome diverse applicants; legal authorisation to work in the UK is required.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving purchasing processes and supplier performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain or accounts payable, plus strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
A Division of Wabtec UK Ltd, Northampton-based firm Bearward Engineering manufactures radiators for the power generation industry.
Salary: Competitive
Location: Northampton, NN4 8HJ
Hours: Monday 08:00‑15:30, Tuesday‑Friday 08:00‑16:30
Contract Type: Permanent, Full‑Time
How will you make a difference? The Purchasing and Accounts Payable Coordinator will manage supplier relationships, onboard new suppliers, and ensure smooth operations across the supply chain. The role will also involve financial responsibilities such as resolving accounts payable queries, reconciling supplier statements, and ensuring invoices are processed accurately and on time in line with company policies. You will support cost control initiatives, monitor spend, identify discrepancies, and contribute to budget tracking and supplier cost analysis, driving continuous improvement of purchasing and payment processes.
Typical Day:
- Support accounts payable activities by handling supplier queries, resolving invoice discrepancies, and ensuring timely and accurate payments.
- Coordinate across procurement, finance, and production teams to promote smooth material flow and operational delivery.
- Onboard new suppliers, maintain accurate supplier records, and act as the main point of contact.
- Monitor and improve supplier performance, escalating issues when necessary and supporting continuous improvement initiatives.
Qualifications:
- Previous experience in supply chain, procurement, or accounts payable within a manufacturing environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Understanding of ERP systems and supplier onboarding processes.
- Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills for liaising with suppliers and internal teams.
- Attention to detail in managing data and financial transactions.
We welcome applicants who do not meet every criterion, as we value people and potential.
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. Please note that we do not accept agency candidate submissions without a formalised agreement with Wabtec Talent Acquisition. If you are an agency or third‑party recruiter and have not been engaged by Wabtec for this search, we do not owe you a fee if a candidate you submit is eventually hired.
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. Need accommodation? Just let us know – we’ve got you.
Purchasing and Accounts Payable Coordinator in Northampton 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 and Accounts Payable Coordinator in Northampton
✨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 and Accounts Payable Coordinator in Northampton
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.
