At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain strategies and improve efficiency across UK operations.
- Company: Wabtec, a global leader in transportation solutions with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of transportation while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in managing global supply chains.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value‑added services. Whether it’s freight rail, transit, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people are accelerating the future of transportation.
As Head of Supply Chain & Sourcing for Transit Services UK, you will lead the development and execution of sourcing, procurement, logistics, and supply chain strategies across our UK operations. You’ll be responsible for shaping budgets, policies, and procedures that support both operational excellence and long‑term growth. Your role will focus on improving cost efficiency, quality, and performance through strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier management.
What will your typical day look like?
- Lead strategic sourcing and supply chain initiatives across UK operations
- Develop and manage supplier relationships, contracts, and performance metrics
- Align sourcing processes and teams with business needs
- Drive cost reduction, risk mitigation, and process improvement
- Support bids and tenders with supply chain insights
- Mentor and coach direct reports, fostering a culture of continuous improvement
- Ensure compliance with safety standards and corporate governance
- Report on KPIs, budgets, and supplier performance
What do we want to know about you?
- Degree in Business, Operations, Purchasing, Engineering, or related field
- CIPS qualification desirable but not essential
- Proven experience managing global supply chains in a complex business environment
- Strong leadership and negotiation skills
- Track record of delivering projects on time and within budget
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proficient in ERP systems and data analysis
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.
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 revolutionise how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
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.
UK Group Supply Chain & Purchasing Director in Doncaster employer: Wabtec
Wabtec is an exceptional employer that prioritises its people, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. Located in Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, employees benefit from a collaborative work environment that encourages professional growth and development, alongside competitive salaries and a commitment to safety and inclusion. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the transportation industry while being part of a diverse team that values every unique perspective.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Group Supply Chain & Purchasing Director in Doncaster
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Get yourself out there by attending supply chain meetups and industry events. It's a great way to meet fellow professionals, learn about trends, and maybe even hear about job openings before they’re posted online.
✨Show Off Your Skills on LinkedIn
Don’t just sit back and wait for opportunities! Post insights or articles on LinkedIn about supply chain challenges or solutions you’re passionate about. This not only showcases your expertise but can catch the eye of recruiters looking for someone like you.
✨Engage with Supply Chain Communities
Dive into online communities related to supply chain operations like forums or groups on Reddit and LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions can help you network, get advice, and you might even stumble upon some hidden job opportunities.
✨Apply through Our Website
When you spot a position at Wabtec, make sure to apply through our website directly. It's often the quickest way to get your application in front of the right people and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role of UK Group Supply Chain & Purchasing Director.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Group Supply Chain & Purchasing Director in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Supply Chain Savvy:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in supply chain operations. Whether it’s managing logistics or coordinating with suppliers, we want to see examples of how you've navigated the complexities of the supply chain. Concrete achievements, like reducing costs or improving delivery times, will definitely catch our eye!
Quantify Your Impact:When listing your previous roles on your CV, go for numbers! Mention percentages or actual figures where possible—like how much you've improved efficiency or reduced waste. It's all about showing us the tangible impact you've made in your past positions in supply chain operations.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:In your cover letter, don’t just regurgitate your CV. Instead, connect your experiences specifically to the role at Wabtec. Share why you're passionate about supply chain operations and how this full-time role aligns with your career goals—I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear that!
Research and Reflect:Before you apply, take some time to research Wabtec and its supply chain operations. Reflect on how your skills and experiences can fit into their operations. Being able to discuss their challenges and how you can contribute to solving them in your application will really make you stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wabtec
✨Know Your Basics in Supply Chain Management
Make sure you've got a solid grasp of key supply chain concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. We could be quizzed on these during technical rounds, so brush up on any software tools commonly used in the industry like SAP or Oracle. This knowledge will help us show we can hit the ground running!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss real-world scenarios where you've used data analysis to solve supply chain challenges. If you've got experience with tools like Excel or Tableau, get ready to talk about how you've used these to optimise processes or improve efficiencies. Employers love seeing that we can turn data into actionable insights!
✨Highlight Your Teamwork and Project Management Skills
In a full-time role, collaboration is key. Think of examples where you've worked on cross-functional teams or managed projects. Sharing how you navigated challenges while working with diverse groups will show that we can thrive in a dynamic environment like at Wabtec.
✨Research Specific Challenges Faced by Wabtec
Look into any unique supply chain challenges Wabtec might be facing, whether it's sustainability, supplier relationships, or global disruptions. Being prepared to discuss these topics shows that we're not only informed but also genuinely interested in how we can contribute to their success. That’s a big plus in any interview!
