Assistant Buyer

TN United Kingdom; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join an innovative firm with over a century of experience in the railway sector. This role is pivotal in assisting delivery teams with procurement and supply chain management. You will leverage your negotiation skills to ensure best value and compliance while fostering a culture of safety and efficiency. With a focus on continuous improvement, your contributions will directly impact the company's ability to meet customer expectations and adapt to a changing environment. Enjoy a supportive workplace that values diversity and offers industry-leading benefits.

Benefits

Industry-leading Life Assurance

Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme

Pension Scheme

Eye Care Vouchers

Long Service Award

Season Ticket Loan

Occupational Health Service

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of buying experience required.
• Understanding of health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Responsibilities

• Identify purchasing activities to achieve best value for money.
• Negotiate contract terms with suppliers and customers.
• Support the Procurement Manager in achieving annual savings.

Skills

Procurement Processes

Presentation Skills

Supply Chain Management

Negotiation Skills

Literacy and Numeracy

Knowledge of Railway Terminology

Good Telephone Manner

Education

4 GCSEs including Maths and English

Job description

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At Colas Rail, we have over one hundred years of experience in delivering major innovations across our sector. Every day, thousands of trains run on tracks built or maintained by Colas Rail. We meet the challenges of a rapidly changing railway environment by continuously adapting our behavior and culture to exceed customer and stakeholder expectations while supporting our people.

Purpose of the Role

Assist our delivery teams with professional materials, plant, and service supply.

Person Specification

The job holder will have:

• Experience of procurement processes
• Presentation and meeting skills
• Supply chain management
• Minimum 2 years of buying experience
• Literacy and numeracy skills
• Knowledge of railway terminology and procedures
• Good telephone manner
• 4 GCSEs including Maths and English
• Understanding of health, safety, and environmental requirements
• Must attend Competition Compliance training

Key Responsibilities

• Identify purchasing activities to achieve best value for money
• Apply the five rights of purchasing and value for money criteria
• Evaluate total costs of ownership for purchases
• Negotiate contract terms with suppliers and customers
• Create savings and improve efficiencies through negotiations
• Assist budget holders in capturing savings
• Support the Procurement Manager and Buyers in achieving annual savings
• Compare and evaluate quotations from suppliers
• Prepare timely invitations to tender
• Promote competitive pricing by monitoring supplier prices
• Analyze cost data and negotiate prices
• Work with the team to streamline processes and reduce costs
• Ensure compliance with procedures and obtain necessary approvals
• Maintain clear and correct procurement documentation
• Perform other duties as required

What We Offer

• Industry-leading Life Assurance
• Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan
• Occupational Health Service

Colas Rail in the UK upholds three core values: Care, Share, and Dare. We prioritize safety, support wellbeing, celebrate achievements, and pursue innovation and growth in new markets.

We value diversity and are committed to equality and eliminating discrimination. We aim for a workforce that reflects our communities and support schemes like the Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates with disabilities.