Strategic Purchasing & Supply Chain Leader

Wabtec; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabtec is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager for our Birkenhead site. You will lead the Purchasing & Supply Chain team, develop supplier relationships, and drive QCD performance across local and global stakeholders.

The role focuses on strategic sourcing, contract management, and continuous improvement to support growth and profitability within a fixed-term contract with potential to go permanent.

Qualifications

• CIPS qualification (or working towards) is required.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills are essential.
• Experience in performance management, employee development, coaching and engagement.
• Numerate, analytical and results-driven with focus on continuous improvement.
• IT proficient, including Microsoft Office and business systems.
• Ability to prioritise workloads and work independently or with others.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate the Purchasing & Supply Chain team to drive high performance and continuous improvement.
• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, driving Quality, Cost and Delivery metrics.
• Collaborate with UK and global stakeholders to establish supplier agreements and long-term sourcing strategies.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement plans across the supply chain.
• Maintain purchasing KPIs and management reporting to support informed decisions.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Leadership & coaching

Performance management

Analytical thinking

IT proficiency

Education

CIPS qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Wabtec is seeking an experienced Purchasing Manager for our Birkenhead site. You will lead the Purchasing & Supply Chain team, develop supplier relationships, and drive QCD performance across local and global stakeholders.

The role focuses on strategic sourcing, contract management, and continuous improvement to support growth and profitability within a fixed-term contract with potential to go permanent.