Indirect Procurement Lead

Who We Are

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 Rail’s 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

Overseeing the purchasing activities of indirect materials and services within PRS UK.

This role involves supervising a team responsible for indirect procurement.

The role ensures that by working closely with the Procurement Manager procurement processes are efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with the company's strategic goals. You will negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, oversee the supply chain for indirect procurement, and work to mitigate risks. This position requires a blend of strategic thinking, leadership skills, and a deep understanding of both the production process and the operational needs of the business.

A day in the life of a Procurement Lead…

·Working alongside the Direct Buyer lead to develop and manage clearly defined processes and procedures to ensure the best procurement practice is achieved.

·Successfully negotiate with indirect suppliers of products, materials and services to achieve cost savings and/or negotiate price increases

·Responsibility for all indirect supplier evaluation activity

·Working alongside the Direct Buyer lead to produce reports and statistics as required to include KPI’s and management reports.

·Working cross functionally across our business to ensure we achieve company goals

·Manage the performance and relationships with our suppliers.

·Full accountability of sourcing the right quality of products and services.

·Implementing and delivering against KIP’s to accurately monitor supplier performance and ensure cost management.

·Support and purchasing of indirect products and services and ensure delivery on time to specification and business needs.

·Conduct team 121’s when Procurement manager is absent

·Support Procurement manager as required.

·Implementation of the Procurement strategy.

·On boarding of suppliers and contract negotiation working with legal teams and review of contracts.

·Develop, introduce and apply strategies to minimise business risk within the purchasing structure.

·Supplier management – drive collaboration and ensure SLAs are met.

·Manage all indirect contracts such as cleaning, waste management, security and utilities and any other indirect material contracts.

·Continually strive to reduce the costs within the process.

·Manage supply issues (internal or external) and escalate to Procurement Manager when deemed applicable

About You

·Ability to work as a team and develop relationships.

·Attention to detail

·Logical/Analytical approach

·At least 2 years’ experience in similar role

·CIPS Level 3 Qualification (preferrable)

·Good communication skills at all levels

·Excel and Microsoft Office Skills

·Experience of manufacturing environment

·Familiar with MRP processes/systems

·Driven and a self-starter

·Driving licence essential

·Ability to travel to all PRS UK sites when required

What’s 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, that’s 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 CV’s will not be honoured. We will only accept CV submissions for roles briefed to you by our hiring team.