At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for engineering projects and negotiate contracts with suppliers.
- Company: Belcan Workforce Solutions, a leader in procurement and supply chain.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly pay, hybrid work model, and impactful project involvement.
- Other info: 12-month contract with potential for career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in high-profile sectors like nuclear and defence.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, contract management, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30 - 40 £ per hour.
Location: Manchester (Hybrid – 2 days in office)
Contract: 12 months (Maternity Cover) July 2026 (with potential handover period)
IR35: Inside IR35
The Opportunity
Belcan Workforce Solutions is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join their Procurement & Supply Chain team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role offers the opportunity to play a key part across a diverse portfolio of engineering and infrastructure projects, supporting both bid and delivery phases. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and external suppliers, helping shape procurement strategies, strengthen supply chain performance, and ensure best practice governance throughout the project lifecycle. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to make a tangible commercial impact across high-profile sectors such as nuclear, defence, power, and life sciences.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the end-to-end procurement of professional services (sub-consultancy agreements) across projects and bids
- Draft, negotiate, and administer contracts in collaboration with legal and commercial teams
- Develop and manage supplier relationships, including onboarding, performance management, and compliance
- Provide market insight and cost data to support project delivery and bid activity
- Ensure procurement activities align with governance standards and best practice
- Support procurement strategy across both project and business levels
About You
You will be an experienced procurement professional with a strong background in engineering, construction, or a similar project-led environment. Key experience includes:
- Managing professional services procurement and contracts
- Strong understanding of the UK construction and engineering market
- Confident in contract negotiation and administration
- Ability to balance stakeholder management with compliance requirements
- Excellent organisation skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to influence and challenge where appropriate
Requirements
- Working knowledge of UK standard forms of contract, particularly NEC4 PSC
- Experience in procurement strategy and contract management
- Understanding of UK procurement and finance legislation
- MCIPS (or working towards)
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience
- Experience using COINS (desirable)
Procurement Senior Buyer in Warrington employer: Belcan
Belcan Workforce Solutions is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the vibrant city of Manchester. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities to engage in high-profile projects across diverse sectors such as nuclear and defence, while providing competitive pay and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. Join us to make a meaningful impact in procurement and supply chain management, where your expertise will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Senior Buyer in Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and supply chain field. 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 the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their procurement strategies and recent achievements. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets noticed by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Senior Buyer in Warrington
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 managing professional services and contracts. We want to see how your background aligns 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. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how they relate to the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your strong communication and negotiation skills. We’re looking for someone who can confidently manage stakeholder relationships and influence decisions, so make sure these skills are front and centre in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Belcan
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes, especially in the engineering and construction sectors. Familiarise yourself with UK standard forms of contract like NEC4 PSC, as well as any recent trends or changes in procurement legislation that could impact the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples of contracts you've negotiated in the past. Highlight your approach to balancing stakeholder needs with compliance requirements, and be ready to explain how you’ve successfully managed supplier relationships and performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Market Insight
Research the current state of the UK construction and engineering market. Be prepared to share insights on market trends, cost data, and how these factors can influence procurement strategies. This will show that you’re not just a buyer, but a strategic thinker.
✨Practice Your Communication Techniques
Since strong communication skills are key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can influence and challenge ideas during discussions, and prepare to demonstrate your ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
