About Us Progress Rail, a Caterpillar company, is one of the largest integrated and diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signalling, rail welding and Kershaw Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rails deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions. With a global network across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Australia, China, Germany, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom, we are committed to serving our customers. The Role We are currently seeking a passionate and experienced Buyer for direct materials and services. It's a great time to join the team - share new ideas, work on projects and process and work in collaboration with the rest of the team to really carve out the future of Procurement in the business. You will work across PRS UK to deliver added value, performance and quality improvements, reduce risks and support related corporate goals through out external supply chain. You will be responsible for purchasing materials that are directly used in the production in goods and services offered by PRS UK. The focus of a direct materials Buyer is on managing costs, whilst ensuring the quality and timely delivery of these essential materials, to keep production lines running smoothly. A day in the life of a Direct Buyer Purchasing of direct products and services in support of business operations Obtaining quotes from vendors, negotiating prices, terms & conditions, lead times, creating purchase orders and tracking orders to ensure on time delivery Use of the MRP system to best advantage Expedite and track orders via the Axapta systems Liaising with internal stakeholders to understand technical requirements Running forecast reports Update, monitor, manage and close NCRs with suppliers Tender, negotiate, establish and maintain long term supply contracts across all PRS UK sites of direct material requirements Implementation of the procurement strategy Develop, introduce and apply strategies to minimise business risk within the purchasing structure Contract management fastenings, raw material supply, bearers, haulage and any other direct material contracts Continually strive to reduce costs whilst maintaining quality Escalate supply issues to the Procurement Lead and Procurement Manager About You Essential At least 2 years experience working in a similar role Experience working in manufacturing environment Familiarity with WRP processes/ systems Full UK driving license Ability to work as a team and develop relationships Attention to detail A logical and analytical approach Effective communication skills with the ability to work with employees across all levels of the Company Driven and a self-starter Ability to travel to all PRS UK sites as and when required Desirable CIPS Level 3 Qualification Whats in it for you? We put our people at the heart of our culture. If our people love working here then they do amazing work, thats why we offer things like: Company bonus Flexible working hours Company funded external qualifications 33 days holiday per annum, pro rate (inclusive of bank/public holidays) Company pension scheme with up to a 7% employer contribution Company funded life assurance of 3 times your annual salary Fuel card which provides discount on fuel at petrol stations across the UK Access to employee discounts hub Discounted healthcare cash plan Professional and leadership development Employee Assistance Programme Employee recognition scheme We know everyone performs their best when they feel welcomed and supported to bring their whole selves to work. As an equal opportunities employer, we will work with you to ensure you have all you need to achieve your best. A note for recruitment agencies We endeavour to hire great talent directly and therefore the use of agencies will only be used to exceptional circumstances. Unsolicited CVs will not be honoured. We will only accept CV submissions for roles briefed to you by our hiring team.