At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a major water infrastructure project and lead procurement strategies.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on water utilities with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on compliance and governance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in water infrastructure while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement or commercial engineering, especially in water utilities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced Project Buyer to join a major water infrastructure project based at Coppermills WTW. This role is critical to ensuring effective procurement delivery, robust contractual governance, and strong subcontractor performance across multidisciplinary packages. You will play a key role in end-to-end procurement, working closely with Engineering, Construction, and Commercial teams while managing NEC3/NEC4 contractual processes in a live project environment.
Key Responsibilities- Procurement & Tendering
- Develop and implement procurement strategies across key packages, including civils, MEICA, pipelines, and process equipment.
- Prepare and issue RFQs/RFPs in line with project requirements.
- Lead tender evaluations (commercial and technical), negotiate terms, and present award recommendations.
- Draft, review, and finalise subcontract agreements under NEC3/NEC4 frameworks.
- Subcontractor & Supplier Management
- Manage onboarding and performance of subcontractors and suppliers across civils, mechanical, electrical, ICA, and specialised process equipment.
- Lead supplier engagement, progress reviews, and performance monitoring (KPIs).
- Ensure compliance with HSE, quality, and contractual requirements.
- Oversee the delivery of key water infrastructure assets such as pumps, valves, and pipelines; chemical dosing systems; electrical and control systems; OEM equipment packages.
- NEC Contract Administration
- Support Project Managers with compensation events, programme reviews and updates, and NEC-compliant communications.
- Maintain accurate and auditable documentation in line with NEC governance.
- Monitor and manage contractual risks, variations, and cost exposure.
- Value & Commercial Management
- Undertake supplier market analysis within the water sector.
- Support cost benchmarking, value engineering, and negotiation strategies.
- Contribute to forecasting, reporting, and risk registers alongside Commercial/QS teams.
- Support the development of commercial dashboards and performance insights.
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure alignment with internal procurement procedures, corporate governance requirements, and obligations under the Client contract.
- 3+ years of procurement, subcontracting, or commercial engineering experience in water utilities, wastewater, or broader utilities/infrastructure.
- Demonstrable experience managing or administering NEC3/NEC4 contracts on UK projects.
- Strong experience with MEICA procurement, civils subcontracting, or process‐equipment sourcing.
- Skilled in negotiations, commercial analysis, and supplier management.
- Proficient in Excel and digital procurement systems.
- NEC accreditation (Project Manager / Supervisor) or formal NEC training.
- Technical understanding of water/wastewater treatment processes or distribution networks.
- CIPS/MCIPS qualification or progress toward accreditation.
- QS/Commercial awareness (valuations, forecasting, cost reporting).
- Clear communication with technical and commercial stakeholders.
- Strong organisational capability across simultaneous work packages.
- Rigorous NEC documentation and change‐management discipline.
- High attention to detail and a proactive, solutions‐focused approach.
As a company that values diversity as a source of talent, we work to foster an inclusive environment that promotes respect, belonging and engagement so that all people can participate on an equal opportunity basis. We invite everyone to apply regardless of origin, circumstances, background or condition.
Project Buyer - Subcontractor Specialist in London employer: Acciona S.A
Join a leading employer in the water infrastructure sector, where your role as a Project Buyer will be pivotal in driving procurement excellence at Coppermills WTW. We pride ourselves on a collaborative work culture that values diversity and inclusion, offering robust employee growth opportunities through continuous training and development. With a focus on innovative projects and a commitment to sustainability, we provide a rewarding environment for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Buyer - Subcontractor Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the water infrastructure sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their procurement strategies and NEC contract processes. This will help you showcase your knowledge and make a great impression when discussing your experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job alerts! Actively search for roles on our website and apply directly. Tailor your application to highlight your experience with MEICA procurement and NEC contracts, as this will catch the eye of hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Project Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Project Buyer - Subcontractor Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Buyer role. Highlight your experience with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and any relevant procurement strategies you've implemented. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to water infrastructure and subcontractor management. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed procurement processes or improved supplier performance. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acciona S.A
✨Know Your NEC Contracts
Make sure you brush up on NEC3 and NEC4 contracts before the interview. Be ready to discuss your experience with these frameworks, as well as any specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the contracts but can also navigate them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Strategies
Prepare to talk about the procurement strategies you've developed in previous roles. Think of specific examples where you implemented successful strategies for civils, MEICA, or process equipment. Highlight your ability to lead tender evaluations and negotiate terms, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Supplier Management Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've managed subcontractors and suppliers in the past. Share examples of how you’ve monitored performance, ensured compliance with HSE and quality standards, and handled any issues that arose. This will illustrate your capability in managing relationships and driving performance.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since this role involves working closely with engineering and construction teams, expect some technical questions related to water infrastructure. Brush up on your knowledge of pumps, valves, and chemical dosing systems. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will set you apart from other candidates.
