Stores Buyer

At Colas Rail, we have over one hundred years of experience in delivering major innovations across our sector. Every day, thousands of train run on tracks built or maintained by Colas Rail. We deliver on the challenges set by a rapidly changing railway environment - constantly seeking to adapt our behaviour and culture to not only meet and exceed the expectations of our customers and stakeholders, but to also continuously develop and support our people.

The role supports the procurement function and is responsible for the purchasing of spares and management of the supplier base for non—strategic purchases of products and services for Rail Grinding/ Rail Milling machines which Colas Rail Services maintain and operate on behalf of Network Rail.
The role is responsible for the inventory management and supply of materials and services required to support the maintenance and operation of the rail grinding fleet on time and to budget.
The post holder will have responsibility for ensuring compliance with business governance, and that all mandatory and company 'Safety, Quality & Environmental' standards are implemented and adhered to.
 

• You will be responsible for the running of reports and raising orders as required
• Management of data for stock items, including lead time, cost, primary and secondary supplier, setting maximum and minimum levels alongside other key information
• Material quotes & Purchase requisitions are raised in a timely manner
• Ensure that stock is ordered promptly following usage to avoid stockouts
• Maximise availability of material whilst minimising stock levels & aligned with stock holding levels.
• Maintaining high levels of accuracy through stocktakes.
• Ensuring key items have the correct level of stock available at all times
• Escalating any persistent supplier performance issues to the Procurement Team
• Reorder supplier details are updated on the business system
• The repairable float is managed throughout the supply chain & business system
• Warranties and rejections are managed with the rail grinding engineers through to conclusion
• Develop, implement, and maintain accurate warehouse document control to satisfy audit criteria
• Work with internal stakeholders to establish KPIs required by Colas Rail Ltd.
• Compliance with ISO 9001 and 14001 Quality and Environmental procedures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good negotiation skills.
• An analytical mind.
• Ability to work safely and under own initiative without supervision.
• Ability to work as an individual or as part of a team.
• Flexible, honest and reliable with a positive outlook on the requirement to adapt to change to accommodate the business' needs.
• Possess a structured methodical approach to problem solving.
• Willingness to continue personal development through training.
• Have an enquiring and inquisitive mind and being prepared to challenge and think outside of the recognised cultural norm on procedures and practices.
• Experience of managing and developing staff.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise work and achieve deadlines.

• Previous Stores/warehouse procedures knowledge & experience essential
• Stock control experience essential
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Materials Management and Stores qualifications are desirable.
• Experience in the use material management functions on the business system is essential
• Advanced Microsoft office skills, in particular Microsoft Excel
• Knowledge of quality systems and management
• In possession of a clean road vehicle driving license

At Colas Rail we know how important job satisfaction is for everyone to support with life at home, your health and financial well-being, that's why in return we offer:

• Competitive Salary
• 26 days Annual Leave
• Industry leading Life Assurance
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
• Pension Scheme
• Eye Care Vouchers
• Long Service Award
• Season Ticket Loan
• Occupational Health Service
   

Colas Rail in the United Kingdom hold three core values: Care, Share and Dare. We take care of our employees, always ensuring safety is a top priority and we nurture our collective wellbeing. We share a passion for what we do, celebrate our achievements and value high standards like nowhere else. We dare to take on new challenges; we are one of the international leaders in our industry. We continually innovate and expand in new markets.

We value and encourage diversity in our workforce, regardless of background, disability, age, religion, or gender. As part of our aim to deliver quality services, we are committed to promoting equality and eliminating discrimination. We will create a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We are committed to the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme.