Senior Buyer

CAF Power & Automation; Newport; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in Newport is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to ensure supplier performance and drive procurement cost efficiencies. The ideal candidate will manage Direct procurement categories, negotiate with suppliers, and collaborate cross-functionally. Required qualifications include a degree in a related field and ideally an MCIPS qualification or working towards it. This role offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including a strong pension scheme and extensive employee support programs.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Healthcare Cash Plan

Life Assurance cover

Excellent Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work scheme

Employee Assistance Support line

Qualifications

• Strong experience in sourcing and supplier management.
• Ability to lead negotiations on pricing and delivery.
• Knowledge of procurement compliance and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned Direct procurement categories effectively.
• Source and qualify suppliers ensuring competitive pricing.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives across allocated categories.
• Collaborate with project teams to align procurement activities.
• Manage Purchase Orders and supplier communication.

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Negotiation skills

Category management

Cost reduction

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

University degree in related field

MCIPS qualification or working towards

Job description

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Senior Buyer

Company: CAF Rolling Stock UK

Location: NEWPORT, GB

Most of us come to work to earn money and as an accredited Living Wage employer, of course you can expect a competitive salary from us; but we also recognise that you spend a lot of time in work, so you must choose your employer well!

Built on core values of Excellence, Trust and Sustainability, CAF make beautiful and exciting products that we are all really proud of. It is not always easy to achieve the results we want, so we have recruited a team of amazing people, working together to achieve a common goal. As a business, we are willing to try new things; so our people need to be flexible and innovative.

Our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee work to ensure that we create a welcoming environment for everyone, where difference is respected; whilst our Employee Engagement Forum are tasked with injecting some fun into the workplace with events and activities throughout the year.

If you want to be purposeful, occupied and part of an awesome team, building an amazing product; the choice is simple - choose CAF.

Mission of the position

The Senior Buyer will support the business in ensuring that day to day supplier commercial and performance requirements are met and exceeded, and to perform supplier development activities which result and contribute to significant business improvements in cost and efficiency.

Functions and responsibilities

• Category Management & Sourcing
• Manage assigned Direct procurement categories to meet project requirements.
• Source and qualify suppliers to ensure competitive pricing, quality, and delivery performance.
• Develop sourcing strategies to leverage opportunities while mitigating risks.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers on the Total Cost of Acquisition, including part pricing and non-recurring costs.
• Manage supplier claims, ensuring fair and reasonable outcomes, including Non-Quality Charge Backs and Late Delivery Penalties.
• Manage ongoing POs to ensure surplus and leftover quantities are minimised where feasible.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships through regular business reviews and performance monitoring.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives across allocated categories.
• Implement value-add strategies through demand evaluation, competitive tendering, and cost reduction initiatives.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to supply continuity, quality, and cost.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Work closely with project teams to align procurement activities with build schedules and technical requirements.
• Collaborate with other functions, including Activation and Supplier Quality, to support continuous improvement of Supply Chain performance.
• Operational Execution
• Manage the supplier set-up process for new vendors, carrying out Due Diligence and ensuring the required documents are put in place.
• Issue Purchase Orders to meet project timelines, ensuring accuracy and effective supply arrangements.
• Manage certain work packages through to first deliveries, with support from other areas.
• Manage the supplier communication and PO updates required to implement Modifications.
• Effectively resolve any Procurement invoice queries for the allocated scope of suppliers.
• Support other functions with Procurement issues as the first point of contact.
• Work autonomously and escalates issues to Line Manager when needed.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives, identifying gaps and proactively supporting risk mitigation.
• Other Duties
• Carry out other duties when business requires and as reasonably expected by Line Manager.

Training required

University degree in related field, or equivalent through experience.

Required professional experience

MCIPS qualification or working towards.

Technical and/or practical knowledge valued

We offer some great benefits for our colleagues; with some highlights listed below:

• 25 days annual leave (increasing with length of service) + 8 bank holidays; plus annual leave carry over / cash-in option
• Healthcare Cash Plan including claimable costs for optical, dental and other health benefits
• Day 1 Life Assurance cover, amounting to 4x Annual Salary
• Free Eye Tests for all DSE users
• Excellent Pension Scheme with 3% Employee and 6% Employer contributions
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Enhanced Family Friendly Pay and Leave Benefits
• Access to exclusive rewards, discounts and special offers at over 1000 leading high street and online retailers
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Support line
• Professional Membership and Sponsorship Policy for Colleague Development
• 8 paid hours per year, working with local charities in support of Social Value
• Dedicated Women’s Network
• Proud signatories of the Dying to Work Charter; Living Wage Foundation and Armed Forces covenant