Category Lead

A career at Hitachi Rail will help create a legacy. With operations in every corner of the world, our work goes to the cutting-edge of digital transformation and technology. From the multi-cultural strength of our global organisation to the sustainable and innovative ways we work to bring people together, there’s something for everyone to get stuck into. And that’s where you come in.Everything we do here is full of life. And we’re committed to developing infrastructure that benefits even more people. From the iconic bullet train in Japan, to sustainable metro systems in Europe and inspiring the next generation in North America. We’re connecting, evolving, protecting and investing in even more. And there’s so much for you to get involved in, learn from, and flourish doing.Your new roleHitachi Rail are looking for an experienced Category Lead to join our busy, dynamic and friendly direct procurement team. Reporting directly to the Head of Direct Procurement UK, as the Category Lead you will be responsible for conducting required source-to-contract activities to enable Hitachi Rail to perform its Rolling Stock & Operation Service and maintenance (OS&M) manufacturing and production activities.You will work across both our Rolling Stock and OS&M functions, leading a small team of Commodity Managers & Buyers, ensuring the best delivery possible across the business.Specifically, you will be responsible for the following deliverables:Expert stakeholder manager, capable of building positive and effective partnerships at all levels internally, across the Rail Business Unit and our supply chain.Excellent communicator, committed to ensuring the category team always deliver outstanding customer service.Developing overall category procurement strategy for Level 1 Category group, ensuring alignment with other Hitachi Rail entities.Lead the team of Commodity Managers to deliver required procurement strategies and plans for each projectProvide input to the Procurement for Bids & Projects team to enable accurate and timely delivery of commercial and technical data to support bid activity.Approval of suitable suppliers for the commodity portfolio, ensuring HRE on-boarding process is followed.To achieve financial targets for all commodities within the portfolio.Contributes to and approves sourcing strategies for all new contract opportunities.Management of a team of Commodity Managers, providing commercial leadership for all new sourcing activities, promoter of innovative sourcing solutions (e.g. e-auctions)Accountable for sourcing activities within the category, ensuring compliance to all HRE processes and delivery in-line with business requirementsDirectly support the team in contract negotiations with suppliers where requiredAccountable for ensuring effective handover of contracts between Commodity & Contract Managers, as well as to Operational procurement teams across the business.Responsible for delivering value across the category including contribution to overall savings targets and increased functional ROI.Ensure supplier relationship management activities are followed across the categoryAbout youPrior category management experience is essential (although not specifically in Rail)The able to negotiate directly with suppliers for all contract provisionsExperience in a manufacturing or service & maintenance environmentGood working knowledge of SAP including PO, Material Master, PIR, Contract managementProven ability to work in cross-functional teams with excellent communication skillsStrong understanding of Contract law and contract drafting for different types of Product / Services.Appreciation of cost saving methodologies e.g. value engineering, logistics optimisation.Strong commercial acumen and data presentation skills with an ability to influence and persuade stakeholdersExcellent knowledge of Excel and other Microsoft office packagesExperience and understanding of Contract Lifecycle Management toolsQualificationsEducated to degree level (desirable)Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or appropriate professional institute or relevant experience.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! #LI-GF1 About UsHitachi brings together the world’s greatest minds to help breathe life into new possibilities – and drive innovation for a better future. That’s why we look for individuals who share our pioneering spirit, have imaginative ideas and are fearless when it comes to tackling the world’s biggest challenges.Our people love technology – and they love making a difference. They have a passion for finding new solutions and working with brilliant colleagues. Every day they dedicate themselves to a huge range of exciting projects, contributing to the Hitachi vision around the globe.From engineering new sustainability solutions that conserve water and energy to creating the infrastructure for the smart cities of tomorrow, there’s no challenge too great for our pioneers. And there’s no shortage of opportunities for you to make a difference.Come and experience the dynamic, collaborative and creative environments where your ideas are welcome and new discoveries are waiting. To help you grow to your full potential, we strive to support our employees in their career aspirations and promote the freedom to explore new horizons.Contact Us E-mail
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