Senior Category Buyer

About the team

• Implement agreed category strategies for the procurement on key categories. These must be in line with the overall procurement strategy and will be delivered to provide the best value and quality for the business, ensuring that it remains in line with customers’ requirements and with an eye on future innovations
• Be seen as the Procurement subject matter experts on their assigned categories, and the benefits they can deliver to the customer and end user
• Manage the end-to-end procurement process for categories, from RFP through to end supplier management, including, and not limited to:
• Identify opportunities for new services through the use of innovative products to customers
• Supporting project managers with the warranty process, working with internal customers and external suppliers to resolve any disputed claims
• Supporting the management of Free Issue Materials (FIM) to ensure successful delivery into projects
• Where appropriate, tracking supplier performance against the contractual service level agreements, ensuring feedback from other functions is received and acted upon. Escalate any issues in a timely manner, both externally to the supplier and internally within the commercial function 

• Support the overall drive for cost efficiencies across the procurement function
• Support the development of procurement processes and systems
• Support the delivery of quality accreditations, including the ISO 20400 in sustainable procurement
• Working as part of the procurement function, supporting the development of the overall strategy and annual business plan
• Actively participate in any Porterbrook supplier events and engage in a programme to manage the relationships with all suppliers on a regular basis. This will be supported by the managing of KPIs across the supply base
• Support other functions (Finance/Commercial/Fleet) in the internal planning and budgeting for WLMP/FQP

• Support the commercial and innovation processes with knowledge of relevant categories, how they are developing and the costs for implementation
• Support the project managers and other functions during the operational phase of a contract/project and be seen as the point of escalation for commercial issues with the supply base

• Work effectively with other functions/departments, often as part of cross-functional teams
• Operate in line with the organisation’s values and behaviours
• Ensure that all products procured comply with all environmental, ethical and health and safety legislation
• Support both the function and business in the drive for continuous improvement

• An individual who is a self-starter and is effective working either alone or as part of a team to complete the job to the highest level. Excellent technical knowledge/awareness of key railway sub-systems, along with knowledge of the latest digital and electronic systems and the future opportunities offered in these areas for rail is desirable
• Able to take a pragmatic approach to challenges, actively solve problems before they become issues and escalating at the right time. Experience of taking full accountability for the end to end procurement processes, with a track record in achieving quality results
• An ambitious and driven individual, with a track record in procurement. Experience of Oracle systems would be desirable

• Educated to degree or further education standard, preferably in either Engineering, Law, or Business Management
• An MCIPS, or better, qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement would be preferred (or working towards this)

• Extensive procurement experience as a Senior Buyer, gained within an engineering environment
• Knowledge of railway industry rolling stock and components, essential
• Legal or commercial experience would be advantageous
• Track record of working to and exceeding KPIs
• Knowledge of Oracle-based systems

• Commercially astute with excellent understanding of contracting
• Well organised and experienced in working under pressure
• Experience of e-procurement systems (desirable)
• Numerate with strong analytical skills
• Microsoft Excel skills at intermediate level
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Excellent pension scheme
• Financial wellbeing support
• Flexible working
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Adoption & Shared Parental Leave benefits
• Enhanced Armed Forces policies
• Ongoing support with professional and personal development’
• Long service awards start at 1 year, with an additional day of annual leave every 5 years. You’ll also receive a generous gift for these milestones
• Porterbrook Star awards
• Life assurance
• Healthcare cash plan
• 25 days’ annual leave + Bank Holidays + option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ additional leave
• Additional days annual leave for long service
• Season ticket loan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free parking at our Derby and Long Marston sites