Operations Buyer

ABOUT CAF

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community. Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers. Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be! We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way. We’re going places, so apply today and become part of our exciting journey. What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting-edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.What will be your role in the company?

The Operations Buyer plays a critical role within the UK Supply Chain function, responsible for the end-to-end management of operational procurement activities to support fleet maintenance and service delivery across the rail network. The role ensures the timely, accurate, and cost-effective procurement of materials and services, aligned with demand requirements, inventory management policies, and Category Management strategies. Working closely with the Demand Team, Category Manager, and key internal stakeholders you will ensure material availability to support preventative, corrective, and overhaul maintenance activities, minimising downtime and operational risk. The role requires proactive supplier management, including sourcing, negotiation, order expediting, and performance monitoring to ensure suppliers meet agreed service, quality, and delivery expectations. A strong focus is placed on data accuracy within ERP systems, cost control (including Total Cost of Ownership), and continuous improvement of procurement processes in line with UK rail industry standards and organisational objectives.What salary will you be paid for this role? As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a starting salary between £33,000 and a maximum £38,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications.What will make you successful in this position?

ACADEMIC &/OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a Procurement/Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• Working towards CIPS and qualified to foundation level 4.
• Proven experience in procurement or purchasing roles, preferably within the rail or transportation industry
• Strong understanding of supply chain operations and supplier performance metrics.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management capabilities.
• Familiarity with ERP and procurement systems - ideally SAP with experiecne of S4/HANA
• Proficient user - Microsoft Package (Work, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)CompetenciesServing CustomersDriving for ResultsDisplaying Technical ExpertiseCritical ThinkingAdapting to ChangeActing with IntegrityBuilding and Supporting TeamsWorking SafelyOther requirements and/or aspects to be assessed

What can you expect from CAF?

• Positive Work Environment: You will work in a positive environment, based on mutual respect and team spirit.
• Professional Development: Our projects are often measured in years, sometimes decades, giving you and the organisation a future.
• Learning and Autonomy: We will encourage you to work autonomously, being able to propose and decide 'what' and 'how'.
• Security and Reliability: CAF has been working for over 100 years on a path that stretches into the future, giving you the security you need.
• Cutting-edge technology: You will work with the latest technologies, facing the challenge of devising innovative approaches and solutions every day.What will be your role in the company?

The Operations Buyer plays a critical role within the UK Supply Chain function, responsible for the end-to-end management of operational procurement activities to support fleet maintenance and service delivery across the rail network. The role ensures the timely, accurate, and cost-effective procurement of materials and services, aligned with demand requirements, inventory management policies, and Category Management strategies. Working closely with the Demand Team, Category Manager, and key internal stakeholders you will ensure material availability to support preventative, corrective, and overhaul maintenance activities, minimising downtime and operational risk. The role requires proactive supplier management, including sourcing, negotiation, order expediting, and performance monitoring to ensure suppliers meet agreed service, quality, and delivery expectations. A strong focus is placed on data accuracy within ERP systems, cost control (including Total Cost of Ownership), and continuous improvement of procurement processes in line with UK rail industry standards and organisational objectives.What salary will you be paid for this role? As a Real Living Wage Employer, we are proud to pay competitively at CAF. For this role you will be offered a starting salary between £33,000 and a maximum £38,000 per annum, based on experience and qualifications.What will make you successful in this position?

ACADEMIC &/OR PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a Procurement/Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
• Working towards CIPS and qualified to foundation level 4.
• Proven experience in procurement or purchasing roles, preferably within the rail or transportation industry
• Strong understanding of supply chain operations and supplier performance metrics.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and time management capabilities.
• Familiarity with ERP and procurement systems - ideally SAP with experiecne of S4/HANA
• Proficient user - Microsoft Package (Work, Excel, PowerPoint etc.)CompetenciesServing CustomersDriving for ResultsDisplaying Technical ExpertiseCritical ThinkingAdapting to ChangeActing with IntegrityBuilding and Supporting TeamsWorking SafelyOther requirements and/or aspects to be assessed

ABOUT CAF

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community. Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers. Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be! We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way. We’re going places, so apply today and become part of our exciting journey.