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- Tasks: Drive purchasing strategies and optimise supplier relationships for innovative train solutions.
- Company: Join Wabtec UK, a leader in rail technology with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of transportation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualified or equivalent degree, with experience in procurement and supplier management.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
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. Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward.
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 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.
Strategic Buyer employer: Wabtec Corporation
Contact Detail:
Wabtec Corporation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wabtec and understanding their values. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission of putting people first and driving innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Strategic Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Wabtec team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Buyer role. Highlight your experience in purchasing, procurement, and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our mission at Wabtec. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve successfully partnered with suppliers or implemented cost-saving strategies. We love numbers and results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec Corporation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost control and supplier QCD (Quality, Cost, Delivery). Brush up on relevant metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and achieved cost reductions in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations with suppliers. Highlight your strategies for launching RFQs and selecting partners. Be ready to discuss how you’ve navigated challenging negotiations while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Familiarise yourself with current deflation/inflation trends in the industry. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact purchasing decisions and what strategies you would implement to mitigate risks.
✨Communicate Effectively
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider how you can convey complex procurement strategies in a straightforward manner during the interview.
