At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for diverse projects.
- Company: Join BakerHicks, a leading firm in design and engineering since 1957.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on project outcomes and enhance supply chain performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, contract management, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
We’re looking for a Senior Buyer to join our Procurement & Supply Chain team on a 12‑month fixed-term contract (maternity cover), based in Manchester with a hybrid working arrangement. This is a great opportunity to play a key role within our Professional Services supply chain, supporting a diverse portfolio of projects across BakerHicks. You’ll work closely with both work-winning and project delivery teams, shaping procurement strategies, strengthening supplier relationships, and ensuring robust commercial and governance standards are met throughout the project lifecycle.
The role involves taking ownership of the end-to-end procurement and management of Professional Services (Sub-Consultancy) Agreements, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and strong supplier performance. Key areas of focus include:
- Managing the full lifecycle of Professional Services procurement across projects and bids
- Drafting, negotiating, and administering contracts in partnership with legal and commercial teams
- Developing and managing the Professional Services supply chain, including onboarding, performance, and compliance
- Providing market insight and cost data to support bidding and project delivery
- Ensuring adherence to governance, quality, and procurement best practice
- Supporting procurement strategy development at both project and business level
You’ll be an experienced procurement professional, ideally from within engineering, construction, or a related project-led environment, who is comfortable operating across complex, multi-stakeholder projects. You’ll bring:
- Comprehensive experience managing professional services procurement and contracts
- A solid understanding of the UK construction and engineering market
- Confidence in contract drafting, negotiation, and administration
- The ability to balance stakeholder relationships with compliance and governance requirements
- A proactive, organised approach with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Sound communication skills, including the assurance to challenge and influence where needed
Key requirements include:
- Working knowledge of UK model forms of contract, particularly NEC4 PSC
- Experience advising on procurement practices and contract management
- Good understanding of UK procurement and finance legislation
- Experience with COINS (desirable)
- MCIPS (or working towards)
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience
You’ll be joining a team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and constructive challenge. There’s real scope in this role to shape procurement approaches, enhance supply chain performance, and contribute to successful project outcomes across the business.
Many of the positions within our company are subject to security clearance or security assurance levels. The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of security clearance or assurance level for this role, in line with client and sector requirements. In some cases, additional nationality or residency criteria may also apply due to specific client or national security obligations.
BakerHicks is an equal opportunity employer. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout. BakerHicks is an inclusive organisation welcoming talent from all backgrounds. Applicants are assessed on the basis of personal merit and qualifications.
Senior Buyer Procurement/Maternity Cover (Contract) in Manchester employer: BakerHicks
BakerHicks is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to influence procurement strategies and enhance supply chain performance across diverse projects. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive salary packages, and a supportive hybrid working environment in Manchester, this role provides a unique opportunity for growth and meaningful contributions within the engineering and construction sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer Procurement/Maternity Cover (Contract) in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and supply chain world. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching BakerHicks and understanding their projects. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in managing professional services procurement. We want to see that you can bring real value to the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves drafting and negotiating contracts, it’s crucial to demonstrate your confidence in these areas during interviews. Role-play scenarios with a friend to get comfortable with the process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer Procurement/Maternity Cover (Contract) in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in professional services and contract management. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
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 demonstrate your ability to manage complex procurement processes.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves balancing stakeholder relationships, make sure to highlight your communication skills in your application. We love candidates who can influence and challenge effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at BakerHicks.
How to prepare for a job interview at BakerHicks
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of professional services procurement and contracts. Familiarise yourself with the UK construction and engineering market, as well as the specific requirements of the role. Being able to discuss relevant experiences and how they relate to the job will show that you're the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led or been a part of. Highlight your ability to draft and administer contracts effectively. This is crucial for the role, so be ready to discuss how you’ve balanced stakeholder relationships while ensuring compliance and governance.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since this role involves managing multiple priorities, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully juggled various projects in the past. Discuss your proactive approach and how you ensure efficiency and strong supplier performance throughout the procurement lifecycle.
✨Engage with Market Insights
Be ready to talk about how you gather and use market insights and cost data to support project delivery. Showing that you can provide valuable information to influence bidding strategies will set you apart. Think of specific instances where your insights made a difference in project outcomes.
