Buyer

Mission of the position

CAF is a world class leader in the international market for the design, manufacture, maintenance and supply of equipment and components for railway systems. We are the most complete manufacturer of rail vehicles in the UK market, and have been recognised for our hard work and professional service, having won the internationally acclaimed “Manufacturer of the Year” award at the prestigious Global Light Rail Awards in 2017 for projects we have been involved in within the UK and overseas

The Indirect Buyer will be responsible for managing Procurement responsibilities within an allocated scope of Indirect Categories and provide general support to the Indirect Procurement team.  The Indirect Buyer will work closely with the Indirect Senior Buyer to deliver our objectives and workflow requirements. The indirect buyer will be given support from the senior buyer. Indirect Procurement Categories for reference:  Technical Services, Approvals and Commissioning, Logistics, Central Services, Manufacturing Subcontracting, Production Equipment and Tooling, Utilities, and Workwear & PPE.

Functions and responsibilities

1. Key Responsibilities

• Manage the allocated scope of Indirect Procurement activities and tasks.  Support the New Governance Model roll out, working with CAF HQ to implement the process change in a controlled manner.
• Support the Commodity strategy development in collaboration with the Global Buyers.  Prepare RFPs and manage tender projects.  Support the Specification definition with the requesting department, challenging the proposals where appropriate to optimise the outcome for CAF.  Evaluate RFP responses with a Cross-Functional Team, prior to making supplier selections.  Maintain and develop relationships with our supply base ensuring contractual requirements are met or exceeded.  Identify cost savings opportunities and potential tenders through spend analytics.  Conduct contractual negotiation and price reviews as required.  Supplier consolidation process and standardizing frequently purchased tools and products used across categories.  Monitor and respond back to queries sent through the central Indirect Procurement inbox and act as a central point of contact for all procurement matters.  Work in conjunction with all relevant stakeholders acting as the key interface point with the supply base for all commercial matters.  Manage key supplier performance with regular communication, including Supplier Business Reviews.  Be cost focussed, recognising Total Cost and key cost drivers for commodity area.  Identify and manage risks as required. Preferred supplier list 

Key Responsibilites continued

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• Manage issues with reliability, conformance, inventory control as and when required.  Release POs, managing any changes or queries and supporting the invoice payments process.
• Work autonomously to resolve problems and escalate critical issues as required.  Ensure personal compliance with all HSE legislation and HSE Company policy.  Be fully familiar and conversant with company policies, procedures, and processes, ensuring all work undertaken is in full compliance.  Support other departments and carry out other duties as and when business requirements dictate as may be reasonably expected by the Line Manager.  Other ad-hoc duties and special projects as required.

Required professional experience

Technical and/or practical knowledge valued