Lead Buyer

ALSTOM; Nigel; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A global transport solutions provider is seeking a Lead Buyer to implement sourcing strategies and manage supplier relationships. This role requires at least 5-7 years of procurement experience and solid exposure to sourcing, ideally within manufacturing, automotive, or rail sectors. Fluency in English and strong negotiation skills are essential. Join us to make a difference in transport networks and enjoy working in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in Procurement or similar industry.
• Solid sourcing/supply chain exposure, preferably in manufacturing/automotive/rail.
• Fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Support Sourcing Manager leading the team.
• Execute day-to-day buying and ensure procurement processes are followed.
• Manage contractual relationships with suppliers.

Skills

Negotiation Skills

Communication (verbal and non-verbal)

Ability to work independently

Pro-active and autonomous

Strategic vision

Education

National Diploma in Purchasing or equivalent

BS or BA in Purchasing, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, IT or related field

Job description

Overview

Req ID:508476

At Alstom, we understand transport networks and what moves people. From high-speed trains, metros, monorails, and trams, to turnkey systems, services, infrastructure, signalling and digital mobility, we offer our diverse customers the broadest portfolio in the industry. Every day, more than 80 000 colleagues lead the way to greener and smarter mobility worldwide, connecting cities as we reduce carbon and replace cars.

The Lead Buyer will deploy commodities strategy of its perimeter (e.g., Propulsion and electrical systems, Braking system, compressed air systems, Suspensions, Bearings, Cooling Systems etc) and ensure project executions are in line with QCD objectives.

• Facilitate the sourcing activities in supplier selection, supplier performance management, risk management and to support securization of the project execution within budget
• Localization to support local content targets agreed with customers
• Required to pilot contractual relationships with suppliers

Position in the Organization

MAIN OFFICE LOCATION: Located in Nigel (Ekurhuleni) at the production site

• May also be required to visit suppliers and other Alstom sites/offices
• Work with Cross Functional Teams to execute Sourcing Strategies i.e. Central Teams, Suppliers, Projects Team, Supplier Quality, Supplier Development, Supply-Chain, Quality, Engineering, Economic Development, Legal, Finance, etc.

Key Accountabilities

• Support Sourcing Manager in leading the team
• Play in leading role in Sourcing Projects (RFx) supporting the Buyer
• To execute day-to-day buying at a specific region and ensure that purchasing transactions are directed through the correct procure-to-pay channel (e.g., emergency order vs pre-sourced order).
• Integrated in each domain team, the Buyer will deploy commodity strategy to serve local requirements while keeping in line with the Global Strategy at Central (ALSTOM)
• The Buyer will also be required to manage the contractual relationship with suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Understand subsystem domain strategies and sourcing plans to support
• Ensure a full understanding of commodity buying needs
• Identify future supply and/or demand issues to ensure a proactive and effective response
• Provide intelligence on potential or existing issues
• Check accuracy of Purchase Request data
• Where contracts are not in place, select suppliers by getting quotations or executing local tender process (with support from Commodity Leads and Commodity Managers)
• Raise POs & contract agreements to selected suppliers
• Track the orders and report on the order status
• Assist supply chain to secure supplier On Time in Full performance
• Ensure that supplier pricing is in line with the market indices and Inform relevant Commodity Manager/Analyst if there are discrepancies
• Understand and keep up with macro-trends and regulations in the region and communicate findings with Commodity Managers/Analysts
• Communicate supply and demand issues/changes with relevant Commodity Managers/Analysts
• Ensure the KPI agreed between Sourcing Management and internal stakeholders are achieved as per SLA
• Link local end users to sourcing actions to ensure new supply agreements are developed and implemented appropriately
• Proactively manage operational risks and challenges stemming from regions
• KPIs:

• • Support Local Communities through identification of opportunities
  • Business Award (supplier selection) and Purchase Order placement on Time
  • First Article Inspection on Time (for components only)
  • Cost reduction vs. Budget (savings)
  • Local Content and Preferential Procurement (spend with SMEs, QSEs, BWOs and local-local suppliers) performances
  • Internal customer satisfaction

Candidate Requirements

Educational Requirements / Desired Knowledge / Experience & Behavior

• National Diploma in Purchasing or equivalent. BS or BA in Purchasing, Finance, Economics, Accounting, Engineering, Information Technology or another business-related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in Procurement, or same/similar industry work experience (e.g., quality/engineering/costing/ etc).
• Procurement professional background and/or Quality /supply chain/technical background.

• Solid working experience, with sourcing/supply chain exposure (manufacturing / automotive / rail industries preferred), with at least 3 years in management

• Purchasing professional background and/or Quality /supply chain/technical background
• Fluent English
• International mind-set
• Communication (both verbal and non-verbal)
• Internal and external influencing skills
• Pro-active, autonomous
• Ability to work in complex organization and to manage wide transversal network
• Negotiation Skills
• Strategic vision
• Ability to work independently
• Willingness to travel

You don’t need to be a train enthusiast to thrive with us. We guarantee that when you step onto one of our trains with your friends or family, you’ll be proud. If you’re up for the challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

Important to note

As a global business, we’re an equal-opportunity employer that celebrates diversity across the 63 countries we operate in. We’re committed to creating an inclusive workplace for everyone.

Job Segment: Procurement, Risk Management, Purchasing, Buyer, Supply Chain, Operations, Finance