Senior Buyer

Overview

In this role you help secure materials and services for maintenance and overhaul of trains, strengthening the supply chain and enabling on-time delivery. You will partner with Engineering, Quality, Projects, and Operations to shape sourcing and supplier partnerships while driving continuous improvement. You’ll manage demand, negotiate agreements, and support new product introductions to ensure cost-effective, compliant procurement at pace. This is a hands-on, cross-functional role with a clear impact on performance and resilience.

Responsibilities

• Manage purchasing activities including MRP demand, requisitions, purchase orders, and invoice queries
• Develop and implement sourcing strategies to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships with regular reviews and performance management
• Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities and ensure supplier readiness and FAI compliance
• Drive cost reduction, value engineering, and working capital improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with Engineering, Quality, Planning, and Project teams to deliver supply chain solutions
• Conduct supplier sourcing, benchmarking, and market testing to support growth
• Negotiate supplier agreements, contracts, and commercial terms
• Monitor and report supplier performance, spending, savings, and inventory metrics
• Support commercial bids and provide procurement expertise for new opportunities
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes and systems
• Coach and develop team members while promoting best practices and compliance
• Ensure compliance with company policies, procurement procedures, and relevant legislation
• Support wider business and supply chain activities as required

Key requirements

• 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 IT skills (Excel, Outlook, Teams, Oracle (preferred), PowerPoint)
• Legal authorisation to work in the UK is required

• Excellent communication
• Self-motivation
• Collaboration and teamwork
• MRP (material requirements planning)
• Oracle (preferred)
• Excel

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