At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and negotiate contracts to drive value for the business.
- Company: Join Amentum, a leader in innovative solutions for environmental and energy challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free medical cover, family-friendly perks, and professional development support.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on work-life balance and mental wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainability while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, negotiation skills, and knowledge of commercial laws required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
At Amentum, we're not just solving problems; we're engineering the future.
Our team is driven by an unyielding commitment to innovation, integrity, and collaboration, tackling some of the most significant challenges in science, security, and sustainability.
If you're passionate about making a real impact and want to be part of a community that values ethical excellence, this is the place where your ambition can thrive.
Here, we believe that success comes from continuously pushing boundaries and working together to deliver on our promises.
We embrace challenges with confidence and are dedicated to creating a secure and vibrant future for all.
We’ll inspire and empower you to deliver your best work so you can evolve, grow and succeed – today and into tomorrow.
We offer an exciting range of opportunities to develop your career within a supportive and diverse team who always strive to do the right thing for our people, clients and communities.
People are our greatest asset, and we offer a competitive package to retain and attract the best talent.
In addition to the benefits you’d expect, UK employees also receive free single medical cover and digital GP service, family-friendly benefits such as enhanced parental leave pay and free membership of employee assistance and parental programmes, plus reimbursement towards relevant professional development and memberships.
Work-life balance and flexibility is a key focus area for us.
About The Opportunity
Amentum delivers innovative and sustainable solutions for complex environmental challenges and energy needs.
We excel in areas such as environmental remediation, restoration, and compliance, ensuring the safe management of hazardous materials and contaminated sites.
We are committed to advancing energy initiatives providing expertise in renewable energy development, energy efficiency, and resilience projects.
By leveraging advanced technologies and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks, Amentum helps clients achieve environmental stewardship and energy sustainability, contributing to a safer, cleaner future while supporting mission‑critical operations.
Within the defence sector, Amentum has an essential role in the UK’s continuous at‑sea deterrent.
We’re also active in naval infrastructure and shipbuilding, and in procurement and operational delivery across the whole of the UK Ministry of Defence.
We are currently seeking a Senior Buyer to join our team in Theale or Bristol (Hybrid working with an expectation of at least one day a week in the office or on‑site).
- Key Accountabilities
- Manage end-to-end procurement activities from requisition through to contract award and purchase order placement
- Lead tendering exercises, including pre‑qualification, tender evaluation, negotiation, and recommendation for award including the rationale behind recommendation.
- Development of bid lists and assembling of Requests for Quotations (RFQ's) and Managing the RFQ process in line with procurement procedures
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for assigned work packages and categories.
- Evaluating bidder responses to the RFQ documents
- Making shortlist recommendations to the Supply Chain Manager and operational teams highlighting distinguishing factors and risks between the different suppliers and the rationale behind recommendations
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, delivery schedules and service levels with suppliers and subcontractors Conducting final negotiations with the preferred supplier(s) and preparing (sub)contracts / purchase orders in compliance with the governance procedures.
- Monitoring supplier performance, delivery, quality, and cost against contractual commitment.
- Manage claims/change orders and assist with the resolution of supply issues.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Provide procurement advice and guidance to project teams.
- Reviewing invoices for accuracy.
- Liaising with the operational team to assist with the resolution of supply issues
- Where appropriate, establish long term supplier relationships focusing on value for money, service & product quality and continuous improvement to drive competitive advantage for the business
- Here’s What You’ll Need
- Proven capability of working within a procurement team carrying out procurement activities including negotiation, production of (sub)contracts/purchase orders documents and process compliance
- Experience working in a project-based environment with demanding programme requirements.
- Proven negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Extensive knowledge of commercial procurement laws and standards as they relate to amentum's operations management and operational delivery.
- Communications: has excellent communications and writing skills. Is able to effectively author contractual commitment documents, as well as internal and external communications.
- Systems: uses computer in support of supply management including supply management software (Oracle / SAP etc) and MS Office software including the use of excel or other tool to carry out basic data analysis
- Working knowledge of NEC contracts and commercial principles
- Three (3) to five (5) years experience in supply management or related fields preferably in an R&D / specialist laboratory type setting
- MCIPS / MRICS desirable
- Our Culture
Our values are built on a strong foundation of safety, integrity, and respect for every individual.
People are at the heart of our mission, and we believe in supporting one another through a culture of care and collaboration.
We strive to create a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
Supporting mental wellbeing and fostering a sense of connection are essential to how we work.
When we embrace different perspectives and work together, we become more innovative, more agile, and more successful.
We partner with VERCIDA, for greater online accessibility, please visit www. vercida. com to view and access our roles.
As a Disability Confident employer, we will interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a vacancy.
We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.
If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team.
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Senior Buyer in Reading employer: Amentum
As a leading engineering organisation in the nuclear sector, we pride ourselves on our commitment to safety, integrity, and collaboration. Our culture fosters a supportive environment where engineers are empowered to take ownership of their projects, ensuring meaningful contributions to high-stakes, safety-critical systems. With flexible hybrid working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth, we offer a rewarding workplace that values every individual's input and promotes a strong sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Reading
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Amentum.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Amentum:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Amentum. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Amentum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Amentum
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Amentum!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Amentum. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Amentum's culture.
