At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and develop sourcing strategies to enhance supply chain performance.
- Company: Join Wabtec, a global leader in rail solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Permanent, full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment focused on continuous improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of transportation while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within engineering/manufacturing and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
We are seeking a Buyer to join our team at the LH Group (a Division of Wabtec UK Ltd) 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.
Location: Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, (DE13 8EN)
Hours: Monday to Thursday 08:00 to 16:30 and Friday 08:00 to 13:00, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
As a Senior Buyer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the performance and resilience of the supply chain, ensuring materials and services are delivered safely, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Working closely with Engineering, Quality, Projects, and Operations teams, you will influence sourcing decisions, develop strategic supplier partnerships, and drive continuous improvement initiatives that directly impact business performance.
Your typical day will include:
- Managing purchasing activities including MRP demand, requisitions, purchase orders, and invoice queries.
- Developing and implementing sourcing strategies to support cost, quality, and delivery objectives.
- Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships through regular reviews and performance management.
- Supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and ensuring supplier readiness and FAI compliance.
- Driving cost reduction, value engineering, and working capital improvement initiatives.
- Collaborating with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Project teams to deliver supply chain solutions.
- Conducting supplier sourcing, benchmarking, and market testing to support business growth.
- Negotiating supplier agreements, contracts, and commercial terms.
- Monitoring and reporting on supplier performance, spending, savings, and inventory metrics.
- Supporting commercial bids and providing procurement expertise for new business opportunities.
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes and systems.
- Coaching and developing team members while promoting best practices and compliance.
- Ensuring compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, and relevant legislation.
- Supporting wider business and supply chain activities as required.
What do we want to know about you?
- Previous experience in buying/purchasing/procurement within an engineering/manufacturing environment is desirable.
- CIPS or IOSCM Qualifications are desirable.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work to strict deadlines.
- Highly driven and self-motivated.
- Good level of IT skills (Excel, Outlook, Teams, Oracle (preferred), PowerPoint).
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.
Senior Buyer in Burton upon Trent employer: Wabtec
Wabtec is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Field Service Engineer, you will benefit from extensive training opportunities and the chance to travel globally, all while being part of a company that values diversity and inclusion. With a strong commitment to safety and professional growth, Wabtec empowers its employees to make a meaningful impact in the transportation industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Burton upon Trent
✨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.
✨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 Senior Buyer in Burton upon Trent
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Wabtec. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
