Indirect Buyer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Who will you be working with?

In this role, you will work closely with the Plant Manager , Indirect Sourcing leadership , Finance/AP , Maintenance , Production and other departments to ensure all indirect materials and services needed to support the plant are purchased efficiently, compliantly, and on time. You will regularly collaborate with internal requestors, preferred suppliers, and cross‑functional teams, becoming the central point of contact for all indirect procurement activity at the site.

Your work will directly impact production continuity, cost performance, supplier quality, and the overall stability of plant operations.

How will you make the difference

As the Indirect Material Advisor, you are responsible for all indirect materials and services used at the plant—including MRO supplies, tooling, consumables, IT/telecom needs, facilities services, logistics, uniforms, and other non-production categories that support day-to-day operations.

You will act as the site’s procurement expert, ensuring we achieve competitive pricing, enforce Wabtec sourcing standards, and secure cost savings through negotiations, supplier consolidation, and contract optimization. You will play a key role in ensuring operational readiness by preventing shortages, improving supplier performance, and streamlining purchasing processes.

This position is critical to maintaining operational excellence, supporting cost-out initiatives, and ensuring that our sourcing practices align with safety, compliance, and ethical standards.

4800 Deramus Ave, Kansas City, MO 64120  

What we want to know about you:

Minimum Qualifications and requirements : (To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations, or related field is preferred.

• 2–5 years of procurement or sourcing experience (indirect preferred)

• Strong negotiation skills and experience managing supplier relationships

• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with systems such as Coupa, SAP, or HICX preferred

• Strong analytical skills and ability to manage cost-savings reporting

• Ability to build collaborative relationships across functions

• Comfortable working on the production floor and participating in operational walk-throughs (Gemba)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Deep understanding of indirect procurement, RFQ/RFP processes, and contract management

• Ability to interpret supplier quotes, negotiate pricing, terms, and service levels

• Strong attention to detail and ability to enforce compliance with corporate sourcing policies

• Skilled in cost analysis, trend tracking, and identifying cost‑out opportunities

• Strong communication skills and ability to influence without authority

• Ability to manage multiple high‑urgency requests in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment

• Commitment to ethical sourcing and adherence to all procurement policies

• Comfortable participating in cross‑functional improvement initiatives

What will your typical day look like?

Indirect Procurement & Supplier Management

• Own and manage all indirect materials and services for the plant, serving as the primary contact for internal requestors and suppliers.

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies aligned with Wabtec’s global indirect procurement policy.

• Solicit bids, negotiate pricing and contract terms, and prepare supplier recommendations. Manage vendor relationships to ensure quality, delivery reliability, and competitive cost.

• Ensure all suppliers meet compliance requirements, including COIs, legal terms, and safety documentation.

Cost Savings & Contract Optimization

• Identify cost‑out opportunities through vendor consolidation, competitive bidding, and contract renegotiation.

• Analyze spend data, monitor price changes, and report savings, inflation/deflation, and cost avoidance in alignment with corporate KPIs.

• Evaluate long‑term agreements, service levels, and contract execution to ensure operational and financial value.

Operational & Site Support

• Participate in daily/weekly Gemba walks with plant leadership to understand operational needs, identify sourcing gaps, and proactively support the production floor.

• Work closely with maintenance and engineering to ensure MRO and facility needs are purchased efficiently and without interruption.

• Follow all safety protocols, including required PPE, when entering production areas.

• Support plant operations with quick turnarounds on urgent sourcing needs while maintaining compliance.

• Provide training to operations, and other departments on the indirect purchasing process and policies.

Supplier Performance & Compliance

• Monitor supplier performance, evaluate risk, and escalate issues when necessary.

• Support supplier audits, performance reviews, and compliance checks.

• Reinforce Wabtec standards on ethics, diversity, safety, and legal compliance.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Support operational improvement projects, cost‑out initiatives, and cross-functional teams.

• Assist with emergencies, system outages, or urgent procurement needs following policy guidelines.

• Provide backup support to other Supply Chain or Sourcing roles as needed.

What about the physical demand of the job:

Physical Demands: (The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job . Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.)

• This position is primarily an office-based role; however, it requires regular movement throughout the facility to support employees and operational needs. The role includes:

• Regular walking to and from production areas, meeting rooms, and common spaces

• Occasional standing, bending, or reaching while organizing supplies, setting up events, or updating communication boards

• Light physical work, such as carrying office supplies, event materials, or small packages (typically up to 20 lbs)

• Ability to navigate between office spaces and manufacturing areas safely

• Use of mandatory PPE when entering production areas (e.g., safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toe shoes)

Work Environment: (The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.)

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment with controlled temperature

• Regular entry into remanufacturing areas, which may involve higher noise levels, equipment traffic, and production activity.

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $62100-85300 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.