Job description

Our client is a Tier 1 main contractor and they are currently looking for a Buyer from a Civil Engineering/Rail/Construction/Utilities background to join their team in Walsall.  

As a buyer, you will be responsible for providing their nationwide delivery teams with a company-compliant professional material supply service whilst working with and supporting other business needs.  

You will be communicating with internal business units, external suppliers, trade bodies and associations to achieve the best value on goods and services whilst being mindful of where materials are coming from within the supply chain, and ensuring the company continues to source ethically and sustainably.  

The successful candidate will be joining a team which is at the front end of developing the company’s Social Value and Sustainability objectives, giving you a great opportunity to play a key role in enforcing those goals.  

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, commercial aspects, 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 they 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  

• Monitoring the work of the Trainee/Assistant Buyer and advising on improvements  

• 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 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

Requirements

The successful candidate is likely to meet all the following criteria:  

Knowledge and experience:  

• Relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the 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  

• Finely tuned communication skills regarding engaging with external and internal parties including a confident and professional telephone manner  

• Excellent computer literacy with experience using Microsoft office packages and in-house purchasing systems.  

• Ability to cope with a demanding fast-paced environment ensuring deadlines are met  

• Ability to make decisions using own initiative and work as part of a team  

• Ability to demonstrate 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 Microsoft Office package  

• A full UK driving licence  

Personal Qualities:  

• Proactive work ethic  

• 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  

• Passion for delivering true best value  

• Analytical and solutions-driven ethic