Lead Buying/Procurement Specialist

Wabtec; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 69,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

Wabtec is seeking a Lead Buying/Procurement Specialist to manage purchasing for a defined set of goods and act as the primary liaison between vendors and internal customers to avoid material impacts on production.

Ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree with at least 3 years in purchasing or materials, and demonstrates strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities for cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least 3 years in purchasing or materials
• Strong written and verbal communication; interpersonal skills
• Ability to influence, coach, and drive accountability across teams
• Experience coordinating multiple projects and resolving production issues

Responsibilities

• Place and follow up on Purchase Orders
• Communicate deliveries to internal customers
• Analyze vendor promises and expedite when needed
• Manage schedule changes and PO changes
• Own and resolve day-to-day vendor issues (AP, NCMR, delivery, lead times)
• Maintain daily standard work and weekly fulfillment metrics
• Collaborate with Engineering, Sourcing, and Quality teams
• Support cost reduction initiatives and supplier reviews
• Present KPI results to upper management
• Participate in Critical Part Review meetings
• Suggest improvements to standard work

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Influence

Project coordination

Problem solving

Analytical ability

Lean manufacturing

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

It's not just about your career or job title... It's about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it's for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you're in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.

Who will you be working with?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services. Our team is focused on continually improving our best-in-class production capabilities. We combine deep domain expertise and tenured experience to deliver unparalleled products for our customers. Here you'll interact daily with team members during the problem resolution process and will partner with other key stakeholders to support our internal customers and their responsibilities.

How will you make a difference?

As a Lead Buying/Procurement Specialist you will manage the buying process for a given set of goods. You will also be the point of contact between the vendors and shop ensuring there are no material impacts to the production lines. This position will require a strong foundation of function skills and knowledge of relevant purchasing and sourcing concepts. This position will also support and train the team if needed.

What do we want to know about you?

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or college or Minimum 3 years of experience in purchasing or materials

Desired Characteristics:

• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to influence, motive, coach, and drive accountability
• Ability to influence others
• Ability to coordinate several projects simultaneously
• Effective problem identification and solution skills
• Proven analytical and organizational ability
• Lean manufacturing knowledge
• Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite

What will your typical day look like?

• Place and follow-up on Purchase Orders
• Communicate Deliveries to Internal Customers
• Analyze Vendor Promises and proactively communicate and expedite when promises don't meet business needs
• Manage through Schedule Changes and Execute Purchase Order changes.
• Own and Resolve day to day issues with vendor - AP Issues, NCMR Resolution, Delivery Issues, Lead Times Accuracy, Escalations
• Maintain daily standard work and achieve weekly Fulfillment metrics
• Work cross functionally with Engineering, Sourcing and Quality Teams to resolve material issues when required
• Balance both tactical execution with strategic initiatives necessary to drive cost reduction projects
• Actively participate in supplier performance reviews
• Responsible for specific KPIs (follow up with all the buyers and presenting those to the upper management)
• Responsible to present on Critical Part Review meeting when needed
• Generate ideas to standardize and improve standard work and daily activities for the team.

The salary rate for this role is currently $68900-98200 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it's not just about a job - it's about the impact you make. When our people come together, we're Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you're ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it's freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together - are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We're lifelong learners, obsessed