Category Lead (Fixed Term Contract) - 42509

Are you looking for opportunities to work on high profile rail projects and advanced technology alongside experts from the UK, Europe and Japan? Come and join the fastest growing rail business in the world!

Your new role

In this exciting new role you will be responsible for the Procurement support (including contracts) across various projects/ requirements.

Specifically, you will be responsible for the following deliverables:

• Scoping out supplier opportunities to ensure best service and cost for a variety of indirect categories within Hitachi Rail's through contract award and delivery of contract to all Hitachi Rail's sites.
• Reviewing, developing, setting and delivering category strategies and directly managing contracts delivery. This includes the use of reverse auctions.
• Preparing, conducting and analysing Request for Proposals (RFP’s), Request for Quotes (RFQ’s) and Requests for Information (RFI’s).
• Working with the Global Procurement Team to complete RFP / RFQ / RFI evaluation, analysing data and making recommendations on supplier selection.
• Formulating, reviewing and negotiating contracts in line with Hitachi Rail’s legal terms and conditions / framework contracts.
• Managing underperforming suppliers within category group, intervening where necessary to resolve issues and provide solutions.
• Developing close co-operative relationships with internal customers / stakeholders in order to leverage their expertise; understanding market conditions; supporting their specific aims and objectives and delivering value adding services and agreements.
• Identifying and delivering savings / rebate opportunities in line with departmental / business targets. This includes the development of a sign off process given the current HTS relationship / exposure.
• Maintaining positive executive relationships with suppliers, focusing on critical suppliers.
• Being accountable for addressing process / procedural requirements, identified through the strategy and ensuring their development and implementation.
• Creating, implementing and advocating a high calibre supplier on boarding process and experience. Ensuring this is replicated each time a new supplier is identified.

About you

• Procurement & Category management experience (although not specifically in Rail)
• Minimum 5-7 years strategic procurement experience
• Worked in multi-functional teams
• Can represent / interact across all levels of the business
• Strong negotiation and contract drafting skills
• Understanding of Contract law and contract drafting for different types of Product / Services
• Knowledge of bid evaluation using whole life cycle cost model
• Cost saving methodology using value engineering, sustainability etc.
• Good knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft office packages & SAP or equivalent MRP system
• Supplier Relationship Management skills
• Computer literate – (MS Word / Excel / Outlook / PowerPoint)
• Good command of the English language, both oral and written

Behavioural

• Highly motivated and can work with minimum supervision
• Perceived throughout an organisation as a ‘go to’ person
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrates perseverance, patience and commitment for long term success
• Good organisation / time management
• Enjoys challenges and problem solving
• The ability to work well under pressure
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• Highly organised and methodical
• Team Player

Qualifications

• Educated to a degree level and/or relevant work experience.
• Member of The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (Preferred)

Why Hitachi Rail ?

At Hitachi Rail you will find a passionate and collaborative environment. We operate according to our values of Harmony, Sincerity and Pioneering Spirit. As such, we work closely as a team and empower our colleagues to take ownership and become creative in our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in the contribution we make to society and we always act with integrity and fairness towards our customers, suppliers and colleagues.

We offer a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement as well as a generous benefits package. This includes a pension scheme with contributions up to 9%, health insurance, and many more perks for you to choose from within a flexible plan that will meet your specific needs and lifestyle.

If you like the sound of the above and feel energised by the idea of joining a great brand at a moment of exciting expansion, please apply now. We look forward to hearing from you!