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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for a groundbreaking sustainability project in Teesside.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in iconic infrastructure projects and sustainability initiatives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and family-friendly policies.
- Why this job: Be part of a team making a real impact on the environment and communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex procurement processes and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Diversity and inclusion are at our core; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.
About the role
Do you want to be at the forefront of one of the world's most ambitious sustainability initiatives? Balfour Beatty have created iconic buildings and infrastructure all over the world over the past 115 years redefining excellence and setting the industry benchmark with every project. As a result, alongside several consortium partners; Balfour Beatty have been selected by BP (British Petroleum) to construct a first-of-a-kind fully integrated gas-fired power station with carbon capture and storage which is a key driving force behind plans to make Teesside the UK's first decarbonised industrial cluster. Balfour Beatty is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Buyer to contribute to the Net Zero Teesside project based at our new site in Redcar, Teesside.
What you'll be doing
- Propose and develop (in conjunction with the Procurement Manager/Head of Procurement) indirect and direct Category/Subcontract strategies, delivering the most economical procurement route for the project.
- Carrying out the procurement process for complex equipment packages in accordance with NZT procurement & supply chain management strategy.
- Preparation of request for proposals and quotations.
- Evaluation and analysis of supplier responses (both quantitative and qualitative).
- Assessing value (using Most Economically Advantageous Tender or Social Value evaluation techniques).
- Carrying out commercial checks for suppliers and past performance.
- Conducting negotiations to enable the shortlisting of suppliers.
- Make shortlist recommendations to the Procurement Manager, Head of Procurement and project team, highlighting distinguishing factors between suppliers and the rationale behind recommendations.
- Conducting final negotiations with selected suppliers in order to enable the preparation of contracts/orders and compliance with NZT procurement governance.
- Provide support and supervision to the team in relation to procurement activities assigned to them.
- Provide regular reports on procurement and supplier performance.
- Monitor the supply market to identify potential new suppliers and products and meet with suppliers to understand their products/services.
- Understand the supplier market, keeping abreast of market developments, demand trends and risks.
- Focus on exceeding minimum service expectations by delivering an agile, value adding service with a deep understanding of customer requirements, technical competence, functional knowledge and process efficiency.
- Establish performance led, long term supplier relationships focusing on value for money, service & product quality and continuous improvement to drive competitive advantage for our client.
Who we're looking for
- The role will require substantial experience of complex procurement processes within a construction related environment.
- Experience of implementing and developing procurement strategies across indirect/direct categories.
- Highly results orientated (proven track record of exceeding targets).
- Demonstrates negotiation skills.
- Mature stakeholder management skills.
- Problem solving skills, ability to use own initiative to identify areas of improvement & propose solutions.
- Knowledge of procurement ERP and e-tendering systems (e.g. Oracle, Jaggaer or similar).
- Knowledge of Subcontract Procurement Process.
- Supply Chain Management Experience.
Why work for us
Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK's most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.
Why join us?
As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn't rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You'll have the freedom to shape the package that's right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:
- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata).
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave.
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more...
About us
Balfour Beatty's Major Projects business is delivering some of the UK's most complex and iconic infrastructure projects including HS2, the new high-speed railway and the first nuclear power station in a generation, Hinkley Point C. Using the latest technology, we're driving productivity and creating a lasting legacy by delivering sustainable solutions that strengthen communities. From consultancy and design, to all aspects of construction and maintenance. We have the proven expertise to deliver large-scale projects safely and successfully.
Diversity and inclusion
At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background.
To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.
For more info, visit: https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/
We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: candidaterecruitmentqueries@balfourbeatty.com
Senior Buyer - Redcar employer: Balfour Beatty
Contact Detail:
Balfour Beatty Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Redcar
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainable procurement and supply chain management. Understanding how these trends apply to the construction industry, especially in relation to carbon capture and storage, will give you a competitive edge during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or webinars focused on sustainability initiatives, as this can help you make valuable connections and gain insights that could be beneficial in your role as a Senior Buyer.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills, particularly in the context of complex procurement processes. Consider role-playing scenarios with a friend or colleague to practice articulating your value propositions and handling objections effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Balfour Beatty's recent projects and their approach to procurement. Being able to discuss specific examples of their work and how you can contribute to their goals will demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Redcar
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially within a construction environment. Emphasise your achievements in developing procurement strategies and managing supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the requirements of the Senior Buyer role. Mention your negotiation skills, problem-solving abilities, and any experience with procurement ERP systems. Show enthusiasm for Balfour Beatty's sustainability initiatives.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your experience with complex procurement processes and stakeholder management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've exceeded targets and added value in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a Senior Buyer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour Beatty
✨Understand the Project's Vision
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of Balfour Beatty's Net Zero Teesside project. Familiarise yourself with their sustainability goals and how your role as a Senior Buyer will contribute to these objectives. This shows your genuine interest in the company and its mission.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the complexity of procurement processes in construction, be ready to discuss your experience with indirect and direct category strategies. Prepare examples that highlight your negotiation skills and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Balfour Beatty values candidates who can identify areas for improvement and propose effective solutions. Think of specific instances where you've tackled challenges in procurement or supply chain management, and be prepared to share these during your interview.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Experience
As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to manage various stakeholders effectively. Be ready to discuss your approach to stakeholder engagement, including how you've navigated differing priorities and built strong relationships in previous roles.
