At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate materials for exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: Join Barhale, a leading civil engineering firm with family values.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to employee well-being and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful infrastructure projects while building valuable supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About Barhale
Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:
- Water
- Transport
- Built environment
- Energy
We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.
Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.
We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:
- Tunnelling
- MEICA
- Temporary and permanent design
- Steel-fabrication
- Signs (design and fabrication)
- Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE
Why join Barhale?
- As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies.
- Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes.
- A broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects and clients.
- Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success.
The Role
As a buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and ordering materials, services, and plant equipment essential for the delivery of our projects, in Water, Transport, Energy and the Built Environment. You will work collaboratively with the site project teams, regional support teams and fellow procurement professionals to deliver a best-in-class procurement service focused on timely cost-effective delivery of requirements.
This role requires an individual that thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively and deliver cost effective procurement without compromising quality or compliance. You will be able to engage with stakeholders at all levels to identify and implement effective procurement activities that align with project timelines and budgets while supporting the company’s sustainable procurement objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Procuring construction materials and related services across all operational sectors.
- Carrying out supplier selection, evaluating quotations, and negotiating prices and logistics.
- Proactively identifying market trends, product and industry developments and supply chain innovations through the engagement of external partners, leading as directed by the Senior Buyer on any specific commodity or category.
- Providing commercial assistance on the contracts you are procuring for.
- Liaising with sites and supply chain partners, developing relationships to ensure a planned right-first-time service is provided regarding safety, quality, programme, commercials, and overall best value.
- Working with and supporting internal business needs regarding commercial and product awareness at all stages of the construction process, ensuring that we jointly deliver major programme requirements.
- Ensuring continuous communication with other team members to review contract progress and address associated issues immediately.
- Maintaining full knowledge and understanding of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure a professional and auditable procurement contract is in place.
Accountabilities
- Operating within financial governance levels.
- Managing work priorities and maximising efficiencies.
- Supporting Trainee/Assistant Buyers and working together to support growth and development.
- Maintaining positive supplier relationships.
- Adherence to procurement procedures.
- Maintenance and upkeep of order and supply chain records utilising the company’s purchase order system and procedures.
- Providing reports, data, and other material identified by the Senior Buyer relating to the department and whole business requirements, including KPIs.
- Submitting detailed analysis to regional buyers and site teams for approval.
About you
Essential
- Relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the Water Industry, Rail or construction/engineering industry.
- Experienced negotiator, with the ability to establish long-term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain.
- Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets.
- Confident communication skills regarding engaging with external and internal parties including a confident and professional telephone manner.
- Proficient in using Microsoft Office packages and in-house purchasing systems.
- Ability to cope with a demanding fast-paced environment ensuring deadlines are met.
- Competent in making decisions using own initiative and work as part of a team.
- Great attention to detail regarding contractual obligations and the placement of orders.
Desirable
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS.
- Relevant degree or demonstrable equivalent experience.
- IT literate and proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office package.
- A full UK driving licence.
Caring and investing in you
Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company.
As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.
From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by:
- Competitive salary
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical
- 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
- 8 hours volunteering
- Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological 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 your career progression
- Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
- Continuous service awards
Would you like to know more? Please contact our Recruitment team.
Buyer in Weston employer: Barhale
Barhale is an exceptional employer that prides itself on its family values and commitment to employee development. With over 40 years of experience in the civil engineering sector, we offer a supportive work culture that fosters growth and innovation, alongside competitive benefits tailored to enhance your career in procurement. Join us in our vibrant location, where you can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a collaborative and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Weston
✨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 Barhale.
✨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 Buyer in Weston
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 Barhale:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Barhale. 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 Barhale.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barhale
✨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 Barhale!
✨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 Barhale. 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 Barhale's culture.
