Join to apply for the Senior Buyer role at CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles)
Most of us come to work to earn money and as an accredited Living Wage employer, CAF offers a competitive salary. We believe in recognizing the time you invest in your role and thus provide a supportive and flexible working environment. Our core values—Excellence, Trust, and Sustainability—drive us to design high‑quality products that we can all be proud of. CAF fosters an inclusive culture through our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and Employee Engagement Forum.
Mission of the Position
The Senior Buyer will support the business by ensuring supplier commercial and performance requirements are not only met but exceeded. The role drives supplier development activities that significantly improve cost and efficiency.
Responsibilities
* Category Management & Sourcing
o Manage assigned direct procurement categories to meet project requirements.
o Source and qualify suppliers to secure competitive pricing, quality, and delivery performance.
o Develop sourcing strategies to leverage opportunities while mitigating risks.
* Supplier Negotiation & Claims Management
o Lead negotiations on total cost of acquisition, including part pricing and non‑recurring costs.
o Manage supplier claims to achieve fair outcomes, covering non‑quality charge back and late delivery penalties.
o Maintain PO controls to minimize surplus and leftover quantities.
o Build strong relationships through business reviews and performance monitoring.
* Cost Optimisation & Value Creation
o Drive cost reduction initiatives across allocated categories.
o Implement value‑add strategies via demand evaluation, competitive tendering, and cost‑reduction projects.
* Risk Management & Compliance
o Identify and mitigate supply‑continuity, quality, and cost risks.
o Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements.
* Cross‑Functional Collaboration
o Align procurement activities with project schedules and technical requirements.
o Collaborate with Activation and Supplier Quality teams to improve supply‑chain performance.
* Operational Execution
o Oversee vendor set‑up, due diligence, and required documentation.
o Issue POs to match project timelines, ensuring accuracy and effective supply arrangements.
o Support delivery packages, PO updates, invoice queries, and serve as first point of contact for procurement issues.
o Escalate issues to line manager when necessary.
* Continuous Improvement & Reporting
o Contribute to process improvement initiatives, identify gaps, and support risk mitigation.
* Other Duties
o Perform additional tasks as required by the business or line manager.
Training & Qualifications
* University degree in a related field, or equivalent experience.
* MCIPS qualification or progress toward it.
* Valued technical and/or practical knowledge.
Benefits
* 25 days annual leave (increasing with service) + 8 bank holidays; carry‑over/cash‑in option.
* Healthcare Cash Plan covering optical, dental, and other health costs.
* Day‑1 Life Assurance cover (4× annual salary).
* Free eye tests for all DSE users.
* Excellent pension scheme (3% employee & 6% employer contributions).
* Cycle‑to‑Work scheme.
* Enhanced family‑friendly pay and leave benefits.
* Exclusive rewards, discounts, and offers at 1,000+ retailers.
* 24/7 Employee Assistance Support line.
* Professional membership and sponsorship for development.
* 8 paid hours per year to work with local charities (social value).
* Dedicated Women’s Network.
* CAF is a signatory of the Dying to Work Charter, Living Wage Foundation and Armed Forces Covenant.
Seniority Level
Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type
Full‑time
Job Function
Purchasing and Supply Chain – Motor Vehicle Manufacturing
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