Senior Buyer at Wabtec Corporation

Primary Purpose of Role:

• Primarily responsible is for the strategic procurement functions for all parts and material required by Wabtec SA and FIPSA. All products and parts are to be secured at cost, quality and delivery at competitive levels consistent with policies and performance requirements while maintaining a strong supplier relationship to assure continuity of supply and maximum profitability. Additional responsibilities will include scheduling, and inventory of products and parts as assigned with excellent follow through with vendors.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: (These include the following, and other duties may be assigned)

• Identify problem areas that impact supplier delivery and quality performance and initiates corrective action
• Supports organization to reduce cost, consolidate supply base, reduce inventory, develop and implement new suppliers 
• Understand, track, and forecast the key cost drivers for assigned suppliers and takes appropriate actions
• Performing detailed cost analysis of components & manufacturing processes used by our suppliers to ensure highest quality at the lowest cost solution
• Sourcing domestic vendors, initiates new supplier search and performs supplier evaluation with the SCT quality team
• Control purchased material and product cost tied to overall inventory targets and business objectives
• Establish and maintain supplier performance and certification process 
• Works closely with the Production Planner in scheduling requirements
• Perform spreadsheet analysis, cost analysis and comparisons
• Ability to energize, develop and build rapport at all levels within an organization
• Proven ability to execute and deliver on commitments
• Experience implementing a compliant Souring / Procurement plan tied to localization.
• Supplier health analysis (Capacity, financial, risk)
• Provide smooth and efficient interface and communication with all departments and staff
• Assure purchasing framework and procedures are followed

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Ability to plan, prepare and manage from a daily/weekly plan to a 2-year forecast
• Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities and re-prioritize as required
• Demonstrate leadership skills in supplier/peer interactions with the ability to influence others
• Strategic in finding cost effective solutions to maximize efficiency of entire purchasing process
• Accurate and efficient verbal and written communication skills, ability to work with wide range of personalities in a high task load/project-oriented environment
• Manages and coordinates all necessary follow-up steps for closure 

Qualifications 

• A Bachelor's Degree in Procurement/Supply Chain (advantage – Technical Diploma / Degree)
• Post graduate certificate or diploma in procurement and supply chain management
• CIPS affiliation (would be advantageous)

.  Education/Experience/Skills  

• 8-10 years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, with exposure to technical manufacturing drawings
• Possess the ability to read and interpret documents such as emails, quotes, contracts, and bills of lading, drawings, and bill of materials
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence    
• Ability to speak clearly and professionally with internal and external customers
• Possess knowledge of Wabtec products and understands time restraints
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form 
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standard and non- standard situations 
• Ability to think quickly and react to situations under time restraints for problem resolution  
• Ability to multi-task and re-prioritize as required. Emphasis on streamlining the process continually. Acts professionally under pressure

Person Specification

• Fluent in English
• Good communication (verbal and written) and motivational skills
• Customer focused
• Excellent attention to detail
• Analytical thinker operating with a high level of integrity
• A team player with flexible approach and a willingness to adapt to the team and grow
• the current work environment.
• Self-starter who is proactive and can set and achieve goals
• Strong organizational skills