The Geotechnical Sub Alliance (GSA) is at the forefront of the Sizewell C nuclear power station development - one of the UK’s largest and most exciting infrastructure programmes. We’re responsible for preparing the foundations of the entire site: designing and constructing cut‑off walls, retaining structures, soil improvements and more. Using advanced geotechnical engineering and world‑class construction technologies, this is a rare opportunity to contribute to a national project that will shape the UK’s clean‑energy future. The Role The role will be primarily accountable for the management and delivery of end-to-end procurement activities for the sourcing of subcontracts, materials, plant and equipment for the Sizewell C Project, working within the BVBC Geotechnical Sub Alliance (GSA) and Civil Works Alliance (CWA) environment. Activities will include the development of sourcing strategies, preparation and management of RFQs/ITTs, commercial and technical evaluation of tender returns, negotiation and preparation of sourcing and award recommendations, ensuring procurement activities are undertaken in accordance with Balfour Beatty governance together with applicable SZC, CWA and GSA project requirements. The role will support the development of a compliant, resilient and capable supply chain, with particular focus on programme certainty, mobilisation readiness, security of capacity, commercial predictability, sustainability, social value and continuous improvement. What You'll Be Doing · Work closely with supply chain to ensure earliest possible involvement within the project · Using the Jaggaer e-procurement portal, development, and governance of package specific sourcing plans with project team, including RFIs/RFQs/RFPs · Evaluation of tender responses to compile award recommendations for approval, taking account of the total value of ownership · Maximise value for money and margin improvement opportunities across a range of direct categories, tracking, reporting on and managing day to day cost savings and cost avoidance · Co-ordination, governance, and maintenance of Procurement Schedules, in conjunction with Commercial teams · Carrying out due diligence, financial and commercial checks for supply partners in accordance with business governance · Support in negotiation of terms, conditions, and prices against tender allowances/target costs · Process requisition orders and raise Purchase Orders in line with company procedures and delegated levels of authorities and expedite as required · Establish performance led, long term supplier relationships focusing on value for money, service & product quality, social value, and continuous improvement to drive competitive advantage for the Contract. · Manage supply chain performance objectively via the Jaggaer e procurement performance module and provide regular reports to include performance development plans as required, to ensure continuous improvement within the supply chain. This includes reviewing the scores with internal stakeholders; undertake a full review of the contracts scores and implement action plan on how to improve performance, and hold 360 review meetings with key supply chain partners · Collaborate with suppliers and project team to assist with the resolution of supply issues as and when required · Monitor the supply market to identify potential local suppliers and products and lead meetings with suppliers to understand their products and the category market, keeping abreast of market developments, demand trends and risks to proactively support the project requirements · Work cross-functionally with all departments to drive and deliver HSEQS principles and commercial objectives · Ensure strict compliance with processes, procedures, and governance to ensure quality standards are maintained · To support the delivery of Business and Group policies and our ambitions around sustainability, environmental, D&I and innovation programme, working proactively and collaboratively with supply chain to progress and maximize opportunity · Ensure a relentless focus on Zero Harm · Ensure appropriate NDAs are fully executed before tender documentation is issued or project-sensitive information is shared with potential supply-chain partners · Coordinate with relevant project stakeholders to ensure supply-chain partners and applicable personnel meet the project's vetting, onboarding and induction requirements prior to mobilisation to site What We’re Looking For The following qualities/experience are ideally required: · The ability to adopt a pragmatic, yet disciplined approach to process compliance, is essential · Experience of SAP and Jaggaer e-procurement platforms advantageous; however, training can be provided if applicant has no experience of these · An understanding of how to run end to end procurement projects from market research, through sourcing, to contract and supplier management · Well-developed negotiation skills are essential, along with experience of running tenders and negotiating complex deals of high value/ business impact, with a track record of delivering value · Analytical, numerically astute with well-developed problem-solving abilities · Well-developed commercial nous and an awareness of financial risks and how to manage them · Robust problem-solving skills, ability to use own initiative to identify areas of improvement and propose solutions · Able to prioritise a challenging workload of competing priorities · Highly customer focused and desire to meet and exceed customer expectations · Experience of working within major infrastructure projects, complex multi-party delivery environments or Alliance/NEC contracting environments would be advantageous. · Demonstrable ability to manage procurement activities against challenging programme and mobilisation requirements, identifying supply-chain capacity and delivery risks at an early stage Why Bachy Soletanche? When you join the world’s largest specialist geotechnical contractor, you’re part of an international community of over 10,000 experts, based in 31 countries around the world. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to prestigious, ground-breaking projects, using the very latest tools and technology to solve complex problems, constantly learn new skills and take your career in any direction. As well as being part of a landmark project and working in a collaborative alliance environment, we offer: Discretionary annual bonus (based on personal/project performance) Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (min. 5% company contribution) Enhanced Sick Pay (after probation) Income Protection, Private Medical Insurance and Life Assurance Employee Assistance Programme 25-days annual leave + Bank Holidays per year (increasing with service) Option to purchase additional annual leave Paid annual professional memberships Volunteering days Professional growth and development Bachy Soletanche is committed to equal opportunities in employment with the aim of ensuring that everyone who applies to work for us receives fair treatment. We positively encourage applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief and pregnancy/maternity
Senior Buyer employer: Bachy Soletanche Limited
Bachy Soletanche Limited is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the geotechnical engineering sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to ongoing training opportunities and the chance to work on exciting projects that make a real impact. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a supportive environment that values work-life balance and encourages professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Bachy Soletanche Limited, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Buyer at Bachy Soletanche Limited.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bachy Soletanche Limited
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
