At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and negotiate contracts for essential materials and services.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company in the construction and civil engineering sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on projects that shape our infrastructure and environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within construction, strong negotiation skills, and analytical mindset.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
As a Senior Buyer you will be responsible for the strategic and operational sourcing, negotiating, and ordering of materials and services essential for the delivery of our projects across Water, Transport, Energy and the Built Environment. You will collaborate with your direct counterparts and other members of the procurement team, collectively working to provide best‑in‑class service for our sites and offices.
Key Responsibilities
- Represent Procurement during Tender/Pre‑Start meetings, Collaborative Project Delivery (CPD) & internal stakeholder meetings.
- Ensure continuous communication with team members to review allocated contract/project progress, addressing issues immediately.
- Collaborate with project teams to understand procurement needs and provide timely support, ordering necessary construction materials or related services across all operational sectors.
- Ensure procurement activities align with project schedules and budget constraints, optimizing cost‑efficiency without compromising safety or quality.
- Align procurement activities with the necessary frameworks.
- Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and category leads for both frameworks and the wider supply chain; monitor supplier performance and compliance with contractual agreements, implementing corrective action where required.
- Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to secure cost‑efficient solutions while maintaining quality and service.
- Support the sustainability and social impact agenda, engaging the supply chain for innovative and sustainable products or technologies.
- Maintain awareness of market trends, product and industry developments to anticipate changes in the supply chain and adjust approach accordingly.
- Provide guidance and support on procurement best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.
- Maintain a full knowledge of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure an auditable procurement contract is in place.
- Support any other procurement‑related activities as required by business needs.
- Be experienced in the procurement of pipework, valves, aggregate, precast & ready‑mix concrete, muckaway, waste management and soil testing.
Reporting Duties and Record‑Keeping
- Promote monthly spend reports and board and procurement reports to support informed decision‑making.
- Assist in delivering department KPIs, analysing data to identify areas for improvement and acting accordingly.
- Submit detailed cost analysis to senior management and site teams for approval as required under company governance.
- Provide reports and data identified by the Procurement Manager relating to department and whole‑business requirements.
- Manage and keep procurement schedules up to date, controlling and monitoring costs against project and framework budgets.
- Maintain order and supply‑chain records using the company’s purchase order system and procedures.
About You – Essential
- Purchasing experience within the construction/civil engineering industry, including knowledge of relevant regulations and standards.
- Experience in the water sector with a keen understanding of associated goods and services.
- Skilled negotiator, capable of establishing long‑term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain that delivers cost savings and value enhancement.
- Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets.
- Excellent communication and people skills, able to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a proactive approach to attention to detail.
- A full UK driving licence.
- IT literate and proficient in Microsoft Office.
About You – Desirable
- CIPS or equivalent, or working towards it.
- Proficient in the use of presentation software, with the ability to present to senior internal stakeholders.
- Industry‑related qualifications such as: Professional qualification e.g. Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM), Institute of Procurement and Supply (IPS).
- ONC/HNC/HND/Degree in associated disciplines e.g. engineering or business.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Life assurance.
- Private medical.
- 25 days of annual leave plus 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days.
- 8 hours volunteering.
- Employee Assistance Programme to support mental, physical and financial wellbeing.
- Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice.
- Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/van (dependent on position).
- Leadership & management training and coaching.
- Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support career progression.
- Development supported by internal and external training.
- Continuous service awards.
Senior Buyer in Walsall employer: Barhale Holdings Ltd
Barhale Holdings Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation in the construction sector. Located in Walsall, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth and development, alongside a commitment to sustainability and community engagement. With a focus on strategic procurement, this role not only allows you to make a meaningful impact on projects but also fosters a supportive environment where your contributions are valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with their projects in Water, Transport, Energy, and the Built Environment. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can add value right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you’ll need to showcase your ability to secure cost-efficient solutions while maintaining quality. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
✨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 are proactive and engaged with our brand. Let’s get you that Senior Buyer position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Walsall
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 within the construction or civil engineering sectors. 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 showcase your negotiation skills and ability to manage supplier relationships.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data analysis, make sure to highlight your analytical skills in your application. Share examples of how you've used data to drive decisions or improve procurement processes in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barhale Holdings Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes, especially in the construction and civil engineering sectors. Familiarise yourself with relevant regulations and standards, as well as the specific materials and services mentioned in the job description, like pipework and waste management.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured cost-efficient solutions while maintaining quality. Be ready to discuss how you build long-term relationships with suppliers and how you handle any issues that arise during the procurement process.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Prowess
Be prepared to talk about how you've used data analysis to improve procurement activities in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with managing budgets and KPIs, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to continuous improvement within the procurement department.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since this role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated with internal teams or external suppliers, and be ready to showcase your excellent people skills.
