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- Tasks: Join our team as a Strategic Buyer, managing supplier relationships and optimising purchasing strategies.
- Company: Wabtec Corporation is a global leader in rail solutions, committed to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, full-time hours, and a supportive work environment focused on growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving cost reductions and improving supply chain efficiency in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualified or equivalent degree with experience in procurement and strong communication skills.
- Other info: We value diverse backgrounds and encourage all applicants to apply, regardless of qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Who will you be working with?
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer to join our team at Wabtec UK based in Burton on Trent. We support our customers through maintenance and operation optimisation with customised solutions for spare parts, repair, and overhaul activities on existing trains.
Job Description
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Buyer to join our team at Wabtec UK based in Burton on Trent. We support our customers through maintenance and operation optimisation with customised solutions for spare parts, repair, and overhaul activities on existing trains.
Role: Strategic Buyer
Salary: £Competitive
Location: Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, (DE13 8EN) – Onsite
Hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:30pm and Friday 08:00am to 13:00pm, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
How will you make a difference?
You will deliver results from tender to production on assigned projects, focusing on Supplier QCD and Purchasing Cost Control. You will create and implement a strategic plan for current and new spending areas. You will lead deflation initiatives for the site across all commodities. You will drive purchasing and supply chain baseline improvements for sourcing activities.
What will your typical day look like?
- Challenge Bill of Materials to identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Launch RFQs, negotiate with suppliers, and select partners in alignment with regional strategies.
- Enable sourcing from low-cost countries and collaborate with commodity teams.
- Manage purchase contracts and support contract reviews for high-value accounts.
- Develop and implement strategies to achieve annual cost reduction targets.
- Monitor deflation/inflation trends and create plans to mitigate impact.
- Implement SLAs, framework agreements, and rebate programs where needed.
- Track performance against budget using KPIs.
- Support dual-sourcing initiatives for critical products.
What do we want to know about you?
- CIPS qualified or equivalent Business Degree.
- A background in purchasing, procurement, or supplier management.
- A proven track record of successfully partnering with various suppliers.
- Can you demonstrate the ability to utilise creative and effective procurement strategies to acquire services while maintaining supplier relationships?
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
If you don’t have all the above criteria don’t worry, we would still like to hear from you as we live our values and always put people first and strive to expand what is possible.
Apply today!
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/third party Recruiter and have not been engaged by Wabtec for this search, we do not owe you a fee if you submit a candidate to the applicant tracking system that is ultimately hired.
Additional Information
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
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. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
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.
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Contact Detail:
Wabtec Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management. Understanding current market dynamics can help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews and demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the industry, especially those who work in strategic buying or procurement roles. Attend relevant events or join online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and driven cost reductions in previous roles. Having concrete stories ready will showcase your experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Wabtec Corporation and its values thoroughly. Understanding their commitment to diversity and innovation will allow you to align your responses with their corporate culture during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing, procurement, or supplier management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver results and manage supplier relationships effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities of the Strategic Buyer role. Mention your CIPS qualification or equivalent business degree, and explain how your background aligns with the company's goals and values.
Showcase Your Achievements: In your application, include quantifiable achievements related to cost reductions, supplier negotiations, or successful project completions. This will help illustrate your proven track record and ability to drive improvements.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for the Strategic Buyer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec Corporation
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about Wabtec Corporation and its values. Understanding their commitment to diversity and innovation will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your past experiences in purchasing and supplier management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, showcasing your ability to drive results and manage supplier relationships effectively.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Strategic Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to create and implement strategic plans. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed procurement strategies or cost reductions in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of your interview. Inquire about the company's future projects, their approach to supplier partnerships, or how they measure success in the procurement department. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
