Tamara T.

Commodity Buyer turned ERG co-founder for Alstom's LGBTQ+ community

I was happy to stay as an APM Commodity Buyer after having gone through the process of buying for 4 APM projects, that gave me the experience for future APM projects to come. Specializing as a buyer for a product line is not everyone can accomplish but I was able to make that decision in the time. Today I can support other functions with the knowledge I have accumulated in the metal built to print parts for our Innovia APM line. Answering the call to become a Diversity Ambassador was the best thing I ever did. It gave me the opportunity to launch the first LGBTQ+ Pride event for Alstom in the Americas, called the "Rainbow Train". And it was the Rainbow Train itself that gave birth to co-founding our LGBTQ+ ERG (Employee Resource Group).

Commodity Buyer for Sheet Metal Work for Innovia APMs

I take care of the Sheet Metal Work portion (metallic parts) to build our APMs (Automated People Mover) that are from our Innovia line. My day consists in sending out Requests for Quote to different suppliers, along with drawing packages, in order to chose the supplier that offers us the best price and conditions that meet our quality standards, technical requirements and delivery dates in order to build our trains as per our production schedules. I also hold activities with my supplier base that will ensure that our supplier becomes a partner in building our trains. My vision is that our supplier are more than commercial partners, working together we can have a richer partnership. One where we are both proud of the product that Alstom is manufacturing for our customers.

An effective supplier is essential to manufacture greatness.

If we have an effective supplier base, we can assure the customer that we will deliver their order in time and in fashion. Our supplier's quality will directly reflect in the quality of our products and services. Their pricing will also directly influence in our market competitiveness when we bid. When our supplier delivers on time, we are also building our trains in time as per our schedules and our customer's required dates. To be someone who has a direct interaction and influence with the supplier, is a big responsibility that is also very rewarding. And to be the person who conveys this message to our suppliers is my honour.

Treat your suppliers with the Golden rule. They are people too.

The Golden Rule is : Treat others how you want to be treated. I have always treated my suppliers with utmost respect. Even when they are not perfect. In my 25+ years of career in purchasing, I have learned that working together and making yourself available in order to achieve Alstom's goal is the winning formula. When things are not going well with my supplier, instead of being angry and demanding, I always ask "how can I help?" or "what can we do together in order to achieve X or Y ?" . This has worked every single time. It has opened the relationship with them and has done more than being angry. Suppliers are people and people will go the extra mile when you ask them to go that extra mile with you, not when they are being demanded to. That is my biggest advice for a buyer or potential candidate.

Trained 5 different people to become experts in APMs just like me

When we had a big workload because we were starting 4 APM projects at once, I was given the task to train 2 interns and 3 external buyers so they could support my commodity in different moments in time. Being the person who supported their incursion into the purchasing of metallic parts for APMs will always be a source of pride in my day to day. APMs are little trains that move people from one airport terminal to another. But their drawings and engineering are very specific and have their quirks and particularities. I am always happy to support people in their advancement and in their career paths.