Buyer
The Role:
As a buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and ordering materials, services, and plant equipment essential for the delivery of our projects, in Water, Transport, Energy and the Built Environment. You will work collaboratively with the site project teams, regional support teams and fellow procurement professionals to deliver a best-in-class procurement service focused on timely cost-effective delivery of requirements.
This role requires an individual that thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively and deliver cost effective procurement without compromising quality or compliance. You will be able to engage with stakeholders at all levels to identify and implement effective procurement activities that align with project timelines and budgets while supporting the company’s sustainable procurement objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Buying Tasks
- Procuring construction materials and related services across all operational sectors.
- Carrying out supplier selection, evaluating quotations, and negotiating prices and logistics.
- Proactively identifying market trends, product and industry developments and supply chain innovations through the engagement of external partners, leading as directed by the Senior Buyer on any specific commodity or category.
- Providing commercial assistance on the contracts you are procuring for.
- Liaising with sites and supply chain partners, developing relationships to ensure a planned “right-first-time” service is provided regarding safety, quality, programme, commercials, and overall best value.
- Working with and supporting internal business needs regarding commercial and product awareness at all stages of the construction process, ensuring that we jointly deliver major programme requirements.
- Ensuring continuous communication with other team members to review contract progress and address associated issues immediately.
- Maintaining full knowledge and understanding of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure a professional and auditable procurement contract is in place.
Accountabilities
- Operating within financial governance levels
- Managing work priorities and maximising efficiencies
- Supporting Trainee/Assistant Buyers and working together to support growth and development.
- Maintaining positive supplier relationships
- Adherence to procurement procedures
Administrative responsibilities
- Maintenance and upkeep of order and supply chain records utilising the company’s purchase order system and procedures.
- Providing reports, data, and other material identified by the Senior Buyer relating to the department and whole business requirements, including KPIs.
- Submitting detailed analysis to regional buyers and site teams for approval.
Key measures & targets:
- To provide evidence of best value regarding procurement, which may include commercial betterment, quality, and efficiency.
- To evidence supply chain engagement including performance management in accordance with company objectives.
Key relationships:
- Senior Buyer / External Hire Desk Manager and all levels of procurement personnel in both the central and regional teams.
- All internal departments including site operations, HSEQ, estimating, accounts and business development.
- External supply chain partners
Person Specification:
The successful candidate is likely to meet all the following criteria:
Knowledge and experience:
- Relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the Water Industry, Rail or construction/engineering industry
- Experienced negotiator, with the ability to establish long-term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain
- Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets
- Confident communication skills regarding engaging with external and internal parties including a confident and professional telephone manner
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office packages and in-house purchasing systems.
- Ability to cope with a demanding fast-paced environment ensuring deadlines are met
- Competent in making decisions using own initiative and work as part of a team
- Great attention to detail regarding contractual obligations and the placement of orders
Desired Skills/Qualifications
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS
- Relevant degree or demonstrable equivalent experience
- IT literate and proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office package
- A full UK driving licence
Personal Qualities
- Ability to be flexible and evolve due to the ever-changing nature of the construction industry
- Team player, sharing knowledge and best practice, whilst also having the capability to make decisions in a fast-moving environment
- Confidence to constructively challenge at all levels
- Analytical and solutions-driven ethic