Manager, Purchasing (Freight) 

LOCATION: Watertown / New York (US-NY), United States | BRAND: New York Air Brake | REQUISITION ID: 4155 | JOB GRADE: 17 

Since 1890, New York Air Brake has been an innovative leader in the heavy-haul railroad industry. As a member company of Knorr-Bremse –the world’s leading manufacturer of braking systems for rail and commercial vehicles--New York Air Brake is recognized worldwide as a Center of Competence for heavy-haul freight railroad control systems. From multiple locations, we serve customers across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—reaching clear across the globe to South America, Africa, the Middle East, China, and Australia. Our talented, diverse, and dedicated teams develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing our customers. Join us in our next steps.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Summary:

This position is a hands on Manager role that will be responsible for providing strategic & tactical leadership of a purchasing team while also executing specific commodity buying responsibilities. Working with internal business partners in the manufacturing, sales, project management, quality, and engineering community, the overall objective is obtaining material, supplies and services in conformance with quality & technical requirements, on time and at the best value while working cross functionally to keep interested internal customers up to date on opportunities/risks associated with supply chain deliverables.

Essential Functions:

• Develop, implement and maintain a commodity based strategic sourcing and supplier development process for both ongoing and new product production.
• Supervise a team of Buyers while also executing Buyer responsibilities as specified in Buyer (Direct Material) profile in support of the KBRNA Freight business.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain & Purchasing colleagues to assure resources and procedures are aligned to effectively resolve issues with a sense of urgency in support of KBRNA business objectives.  
• Ensure the process, from requisition to order placement, is efficient and actively promote and champion the use of best practice to ensure compliance with the organization’s policies and procedures as well as applicable ISO and IRIS Standards. Participate in audits as required. 
• Provide reports on KPI and department performance goals as required & support efforts to develop corrective actions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Act as a liaison between suppliers, manufacturers, and all relevant internal departments to highlight major commercial risks or issues while working to ensure the optimum resolution
• Interface directly with operations, material management, sales/project management, engineering & quality as needed to collaborate and resolve issues.
• Recognize and evaluate strategies/opportunities, as well as business and legal risks.
• Provide sound procurement advice and guidance to team members.
• Travel locally and potentially internationally as required to suppliers or other KB locations
• Must be able to comply with quality, product safety, and HSE rules and regulations. Be energy conscious, if applicable. 
• Must understand and comply with applicable standards. ( i.e.: ISO 9001, ISO/TS 22163, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, ISO 50001, and CMMI).
• Maintain a safe, clean, and healthy environment and ensure compliance with the company's rules and policies.
• Maintain and safeguard business records

Technical Competencies:

• Technical Capacity: ERP System (SAP) & KB BI tools along with the ability to read and understand technical material i.e. engineering drawings, material specifications, quality standards & requirements, etc.  
• Problem Solving: desire to solve problem with analytical thinking & close collaboration with colleagues 
• Understanding and professional experience with purchasing contracts
• Excellent negotiation, customer service and communication skills
• Strong market knowledge and experience in working across various functions, businesses and regions.

Core Competencies:

• Must have good verbal and written communication skills (Bilingual is a plus).
• Must have good interpersonal skills.

Required Education:

Bachelor's Degree - Business Administration or related field

Required Experience:

3-5 Years Relevant Experience

Work Environment:

Office environment, including use of computer terminal.  Sitting, standing, walking, alternate sitting/standing at will

Additional eligibility qualifications (preferred):

• 5+ years of experience purchasing/supply chain/operations in a technical/manufacturing environment.
• 3+ years of experience managing direct reports.

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WHAT WE OFFER
From Engineering to Test Laboratory; Manufacturing & Skilled Machine Operation to Sales and Marketing; Field Service to Customer Service; Quality to HR to Finance to Software Development, our team-based approach is built on inclusion, opportunity, development, social responsibility and rewards. You are afforded the chance to grow personally and professionally through challenging assignments, commitment to continuing education, exposure to a variety of projects, and international travel. Our benefits are cutting edge as we offer student loan repayment assistance, lucrative 401k program, company assisted stock purchase plan, tuition reimbursement, wellness program, onsite workout facilities & classes along with competitive salary and incentive compensation, generous paid time off programs and a full array of medical, dental and vision options. We’ve got the right stuff, do you? Let’s find out together.

ARE YOU INTERESTED?
Then join us! We look forward to receiving your online application!

New York Air Brake LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.