At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and manage supplier relationships in the water sector.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on sustainable water solutions.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and work in a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and networking within the industry.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the water sector while building your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualification or working towards it; experience in procurement is a plus.
The Buyer will support the effective delivery of the procurement function, establishing, maintaining and improving purchasing procedures in line with internal policies and wider business objectives. The role will involve supporting pre-qualifications, tenders and live projects, managing supplier and subcontractor enquiries, assisting with negotiations and ensuring all procurement activity follows the correct governance and approval processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide procurement input for pre-qualifications, tenders and live projects as required.
- Compile and issue subcontractor and material enquiries for assessment by tender and project teams.
- Support the Senior Buyer and Procurement Manager throughout the tender settlement process.
- Attend meetings with key tenderers where required.
- Assist with the preparation of commercial proposals for tender submissions, including discounts and fixed-price allowances.
- Liaise with procurement and site management teams regarding subcontractor and material requirements.
- Assist in developing procurement strategies for key work packages.
- Agree critical procurement dates and maintain procurement schedules.
- Maintain accurate document management, filing and storage systems.
- Deliver procurement activities in accordance with the agreed project procurement strategy.
- Support the onboarding and approval of new suppliers.
- Manage allocated procurement packages through to the production of subcontract review documentation and order number requests.
- Review order number requests to ensure the correct procurement process has been followed.
- Complete or confirm relevant supplier checks, including financial checks, health and safety assessments, organisational and supervisory competency, previous performance ratings, and supplier database status.
- Contribute to the effective and sustainable management of the supply chain.
- Review supplier questionnaires and ensure performance assessments are completed for allocated projects.
- Carry out internal governance checks and ensure the correct use of procurement documents, requisition forms and order templates.
- Assist with commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of business objectives, procurement policies and health, safety, environmental, quality and sustainability procedures.
Key Relationships
Internal
- Head of Procurement
- Procurement Manager
- Senior Buyers and procurement colleagues
- Project management teams
- Estimating and work-winning teams
- Commercial teams
- Health, safety, environmental and quality teams
- Other office-based personnel
External
- Suppliers
- Subcontractors
- Professional bodies
- Existing and prospective clients
Financial Authority
In accordance with the applicable business or framework levels of authority.
Qualifications and Experience
- Hold, or be actively working towards, a CIPS qualification.
- Previous experience within a procurement, purchasing or supply-chain environment would be advantageous.
- Experience supporting construction, civil engineering or infrastructure projects would be beneficial.
- An understanding of subcontractor and material procurement processes is desirable.
- Knowledge of supplier onboarding, governance and compliance checks would be advantageous.
Key Skills and Competencies
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Information gathering and evaluation
- Initiative and a proactive approach
- Planning and organisation
- Commercial awareness
- Negotiation skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to work at pace and meet deadlines
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Enthusiasm, dedication and pride in delivering high-quality work
Development Opportunities
- Develop a detailed understanding of the organisation's culture, procedures and commercial objectives.
- Build strong relationships across the supplier and subcontractor network.
- Develop connections with project, commercial, estimating and operational teams.
- Take ownership of increasingly complex procurement packages and assignments.
This job description is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the role.
Buyer employer: Carrington West
Carrington West is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on improving residential environments in Harlow, team members benefit from competitive daily rates and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact the community. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and supports professional advancement, making it an attractive place for experienced project managers looking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨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 Carrington West.
✨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
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 Carrington West:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Carrington West. 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 Carrington West.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨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 Carrington West!
✨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 Carrington West. 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 Carrington West's culture.
