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- Tasks: Maximise value through strategic procurement and manage supplier relationships across the UK.
- Company: Join a leading firm focused on engineering and industrial procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, enhanced pension, 33 days leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving sustainable improvements in cost, quality, and innovation.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in procurement, contract negotiation, and experience in engineering-focused businesses required.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with regular travel across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 58000 £ per year.
Office location: Milton Keynes (with regular weekly travel across the UK)
Salary: £54,000 - £58,000 per annum
Working Hours and Flexibility: Monday to Friday, 37.5 hours per week (hybrid working available)
Role Overview: In this role, you are responsible for maximizing value through Procurement by strategically managing the UK supplier spend and identifying opportunities that drive sustainable improvements in cost, quality, service, and innovation. The role supports 5 PFI contracts across the UK, primarily focusing on Capex & Life Cycle categories, with potential support on other categories such as MRO, Business Services, Fleet, Energy, and Facilities.
Minimum Qualifications and Experience:
- Established procurement and strategic sourcing experience, including knowledge of professional purchasing policies and procedures.
- Background in Engineering procurement, with experience negotiating NEC contracts.
- Project Management experience is a plus.
- Proven track record in Engineering and Strategic Procurement and Category Management, preferably in an engineering & industrial environment (CAPEX & Life Cycle Senior Buyer).
- Experience building relationships with key suppliers and business leaders, especially in fast-paced, technical industries.
Key Responsibilities:
- Drive and ensure suppliers meet continuous improvement and productivity initiatives.
- Negotiate new contracts directly with suppliers from start to finish.
- Create category strategies for 1, 3, and 5 years based on spend analysis and specific criteria.
- Support procurement team members in managing procurement processes and controls, including cross-functional training.
- Collaborate with Engineering and Operations to identify procurement activities.
- Work with Legal to determine appropriate contract forms for specific packages.
- Implement and manage procurement tendering activities, including preparing tender documentation and negotiations.
- Manage relationships with suppliers.
- Maintain procurement programs and progress reports for all live projects.
- Ensure the company is protected from unnecessary risks or claims during procurement.
Essential Requirements:
- Minimum 4-5 years' experience as a Procurement professional.
- Experience negotiating contracts directly with suppliers.
- Ability to develop category strategies over 1, 3, and 5 years.
- Experience managing full tender processes.
- Knowledge of NEC contracts and sourcing.
- Procurement experience in engineering-focused businesses.
- Ability to work collaboratively and implement strategic sourcing opportunities.
- Understanding of strategic sourcing processes with a track record of achieving YOY savings.
- Mobility and flexibility to travel across UK sites weekly.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary
- Enhanced employer contribution pension plan
- 33 days annual leave including statutory holidays
- Opportunities for career development, with a history of promotion from within
- Access to wellbeing and reward platform from Day 1
Senior Buyer - Capex & Lifecycle employer: Biffa
Contact Detail:
Biffa Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Capex & Lifecycle
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement processes and policies relevant to Capex and Lifecycle categories. Understanding these will help you demonstrate your expertise during discussions and interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the engineering procurement field, especially those who have experience with NEC contracts. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends and challenges in procurement, particularly in engineering-focused businesses. This knowledge will not only enhance your conversations but also show your commitment to continuous improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Capex & Lifecycle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your procurement and strategic sourcing experience, especially in engineering. Emphasise your ability to negotiate contracts and develop category strategies, as these are key requirements for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Senior Buyer position. Mention specific examples of your achievements in cost savings and supplier relationship management.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with NEC contracts and managing full tender processes. Use metrics to demonstrate your success in previous roles, such as percentage savings achieved or improvements in supplier performance.
Showcase Soft Skills: Don't forget to mention your soft skills, such as collaboration and communication. These are crucial for working with cross-functional teams and building relationships with suppliers and business leaders in a fast-paced environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Biffa
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Make sure to highlight your established procurement and strategic sourcing experience. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've maximised value through effective supplier management and cost-saving initiatives in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves negotiating contracts directly with suppliers, come equipped with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Discuss your approach to overcoming challenges during negotiations, especially in technical industries.
✨Prepare for Category Strategy Discussions
Familiarise yourself with category strategies and be ready to discuss how you would develop 1, 3, and 5-year plans based on spend analysis. This shows your strategic thinking and ability to align procurement with business goals.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
Building relationships with key suppliers and business leaders is crucial. Share experiences where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders to drive improvements and how you maintain those relationships over time.
