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- Tasks: Join us as a Senior Buyer, sourcing and negotiating for innovative building solutions.
- Company: Be part of Alternative Heat, a leader in sustainable building services across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, permanent contract, and a dynamic work environment in Belfast.
- Why this job: This role offers career growth in a progressive company with a focus on sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: 4-5 years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and experience in M&E sector required.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a supportive team culture await you!
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
The opportunity has arisen to join an industry leader in the UK’s Building Services providers. We design, develop and deliver a wide range of offsite-prefabricated, innovative and sustainable building service solutions throughout the UK & Ireland. Alternative Heat specialises in the design, supply and installation of a wide range of Pre-Fabricated energy solutions, typically built in NI and shipped throughout the UK & Ireland. We also offer turnkey design, build & operate solutions for commercial energy centres and large-scale district heating solutions and have experience with successfully procuring and delivering many similar packages to a wide range of public bodies throughout Ireland & UK.
We are currently looking to fill the role of Senior Commercial Buyer to support our growing Purchasing Team in our Belfast Office. This post is a permanent contract and offers an amazing opportunity for a candidate who wants to gain experience with a progressive and dynamic company to further their career.
- Location: Belfast - Mallusk
- Hours: Monday - Thursday 8am - 5pm and Friday 8am - 3pm
- Salary: Competitive depending on experience
- Responsible to: Head of Procurement
Key Responsibilities:
- Sourcing, negotiating, and procuring mechanical and electrical components, equipment, and materials while ensuring cost efficiency, quality, and timely delivery.
- Identifying and selecting reliable suppliers/contractors for live projects.
- Ensuring all mechanical components meet required technical specifications and quality standards.
- Addressing any technical concerns with suppliers and internal teams to ensure product compatibility.
- Manage the delivery of all material & plant to site in a clear and professional manner by ensuring all items are available when required, through the setting-out of an informative draw-off schedule.
- Developing and executing procurement strategies aligned with company objectives.
- Preparing reports on procurement activities, cost savings, and supplier performance metrics.
- Liase with commercial lead to ensure project expenditure is in line with budgetary allowance.
- Build, manage & maintain relationships with clients, suppliers, contractors, and other construction professionals including site operatives.
- Work to ensure all supplier invoices are cleared for payment in a timely manner to maintain the high level of positive supplier relations expected by the company.
- Perform daily, weekly and monthly checks to ensure all paperwork is up to date, all sites are being efficiently serviced and efficiency remains at the expected high level.
- Report to the Procurement Manager daily and company directors as required.
- Work to follow the robust processes/controls in place to increase efficiency and improve performance.
- Ensure a safe working environment abiding by all necessary H&S requirements and legislation.
- Any other duties required to fulfil the requirements of the position.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
Essential Criteria:
- Minimum 4-5 years of procurement, sourcing or commercial buying experience in the M&E sector.
- Proven track record in negotiating high-value contracts and cost reduction strategies.
- Extensive and demonstrable experience of the management of mechanical/electrical ordering.
- Ability to manage procurement budgets and meet financial targets.
- Familiarity with contracts, pricing structures, and commercial terms.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills for stakeholder and supplier engagement.
- Organized and structured approach to your work.
- Enthusiastic adopter/user of IT systems, with proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel.
- Excellent negotiating skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and cope with a varied portfolio of work, progressing with reduced supervision.
- Proven record of delivering on-time quality work within budget and with minimal supervision.
- Previous experience in a procurement role.
Desirable Criteria:
- Management of large scale Mechanical & Electrical material ordering including drawing off materials in batches to meet project programmes.
- Ability to use a company accounting system (training will be provided).
Contact Detail:
Alternative Heat Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in the M&E sector. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in mechanical and electrical components. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past procurement successes, particularly in negotiating high-value contracts. Being able to articulate your achievements will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Alternative Heat and their projects thoroughly. Understanding their business model and recent developments will allow you to tailor your conversation and show genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in the M&E sector. Emphasise your track record in negotiating contracts and managing budgets, as these are key aspects of the Senior Buyer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria, such as your ability to manage supplier relationships and deliver projects on time.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since the role requires familiarity with mechanical and electrical components, include any relevant technical knowledge or certifications you possess. Mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, as this is highlighted in the job description.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Senior Buyer position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Alternative Heat Ltd
✨Showcase Your Procurement Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous procurement roles in detail, especially your experience in the M&E sector. Highlight specific examples where you successfully negotiated contracts or implemented cost reduction strategies.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Since the role involves sourcing mechanical and electrical components, brush up on relevant technical specifications and quality standards. Be ready to discuss how you've addressed technical concerns in past projects.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage supplier relationships. Think of scenarios where you had to resolve issues with suppliers or ensure timely delivery of materials.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
The job requires a structured approach to work. Share examples of how you manage multiple projects simultaneously, maintain accurate paperwork, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
