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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for direct materials in major construction projects.
- Company: Join a top-tier UK infrastructure and construction business making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and excellent benefits.
- Why this job: Be part of a progressive team shaping the future of the built environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and strategic sourcing is essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with senior stakeholders and drive innovation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 65000 £ per year.
A top-tier UK-based infrastructure and construction business is seeking a Senior Buyer to drive category strategies for direct materials across major projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a progressive and purpose-driven procurement function, operating within a centralised team that plays a key role in shaping the future of the built environment.
As a key member of the Direct Materials and Category Management team, you will lead end-to-end procurement strategy, supplier engagement, and category development to deliver value across a significant spend portfolio. You will work collaboratively with internal stakeholders across Strategic Business Units, commercial teams, and central procurement to implement strategies that not only deliver cost savings but also drive innovation, sustainability, and risk mitigation.
Key Responsibilities:- Category Strategy: Design and implement sourcing strategies and category plans aligned with business and sustainability goals.
- Supplier Management: Build and maintain a high-performing preferred supplier network, driving continuous improvement and performance.
- Commercial Negotiation: Negotiate supplier agreements to ensure best value, leveraging the organisation's market position.
- Risk Management: Proactively identify supply and cost risks, and establish mitigation and assurance frameworks.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with senior internal stakeholders to ensure alignment with wider business objectives.
- Market Insight: Monitor supply markets, assess supplier capabilities, and identify new sourcing opportunities.
- Governance & Compliance: Uphold procurement process integrity while maintaining agility and responsiveness.
- Essential: Proven background in category management and strategic sourcing, ideally within construction or infrastructure sectors.
- Excellent commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and a track record of achieving cost savings and added value.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills with the ability to influence at all levels.
- High level of professionalism, integrity, and independent working ability.
- Desirable: Experience sourcing construction materials or working within Tier 1 contractors.
- Understanding of commodity materials procurement and performance-based supplier relationships.
- CIPS qualification (or currently studying towards).
Senior Buyer - Direct Materials employer: Bramwith Consulting
Contact Detail:
Bramwith Consulting Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Direct Materials
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in procurement.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and recent news to tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past achievements in category management and strategic sourcing. Highlight how you’ve driven cost savings and innovation in previous roles to showcase your value.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with current market trends and challenges in the procurement of direct materials. Being knowledgeable about supply chain risks and sustainability practices will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Direct Materials
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in category management and strategic sourcing, particularly within the construction or infrastructure sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Emphasise your ability to design and implement sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and engage with stakeholders effectively.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in risk management, market insight, and governance compliance. Mention any experience you have with sustainability initiatives or cost-saving measures in procurement.
Showcase Your Professionalism: Demonstrate your professionalism and integrity throughout your application. This can be reflected in your writing style, attention to detail, and how you present your qualifications and experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bramwith Consulting
✨Showcase Your Category Management Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in category management and strategic sourcing, particularly within the construction or infrastructure sectors. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented sourcing strategies that align with business goals.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
During the interview, emphasise your negotiation skills and provide examples of how you've achieved cost savings and added value in past roles. This will showcase your ability to leverage the organisation's market position effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with senior internal stakeholders in previous positions. Share examples of how you ensured alignment with wider business objectives and how you influenced decision-making at all levels.
✨Understand Market Insights
Research current trends in the supply markets relevant to direct materials. Be ready to discuss how you monitor supplier capabilities and identify new sourcing opportunities, demonstrating your proactive approach to risk management and innovation.
