At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve buying strategy across CFM, ensuring consistency and commercial effectiveness.
- Company: Established building services contractor with a strong presence in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team focused on enhancing supply chain strategies.
- Why this job: Take ownership of procurement and make a real impact on CFM's growth journey.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or related roles; ideal for those looking to step up.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
ABOUT CFM
CFM is an established building services and facilities management contractor operating across Northern Ireland, with a growing footprint. With a team of over 350 dedicated staff and access to all major public sector procurement frameworks including Fusion21, PFH, NHMF and M3NHF, CFM group delivers reactive maintenance, planned works, M&E, decarbonisation, fit out, manufacturing and property development services to housing associations, local authorities, healthcare trusts and education bodies. As CFM scales towards its next phase of growth, the creation of this role reflects a strategic commitment to building a procurement function that matches the ambition of the business, protects margin, manages risk, and builds a supply chain that is a genuine competitive advantage.
THE ROLE
This is a standalone role and a significant opportunity for an experienced Buying professional to take ownership of buying across the CFM group. You will be responsible for leading and evolving buying strategy and controls across subcontract, labour-only, materials, depot buying, and group supply requirements, ensuring consistency, commercial rigour and scalability across all business activities. You will work closely with finance, operational, projects, commercial and SHEQ teams. The role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, ensuring that procurement and buying is both well-governed and commercially effective. CFM currently operates with capable and experienced people and is now focused on formalising and enhancing its buying structure to support continued growth. Your role is to formalise, enhance and lead this function, ensuring it is fit for scale and aligned across all areas of the business. A key element of the role remains oversight of all buying activity across CFM's four depots at Mallusk, Omagh, Derry and Castledawson, which operate as internal trade counters supporting operational teams. Supplier on-boarding, performance management and regional supply chain development will also form a key element of this role. You will work closely with teams ensuring commercial and contractual requirements are embedded in their processes and that performance data informs your procurement decisions. We are seeking applications from those currently in a similar role as well as those seeking to step-up to a new challenge from Senior QS, Senior Estimators and similar construction roles.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supply Chain Strategy & Structure
- Conduct a full audit of current supply chain spend, relationships and risk exposure across all categories
- Segment the supply chain into strategic partners, preferred suppliers, approved suppliers and conditional or one-off relationships
- Define category structure across subcontractors, labour-only and materials and products
- Build and maintain a live approved supplier register with compliance status, tier classification and performance data
- Develop and manage a named supplier and approved product list, embedded into all subcontract packages
- Agreements & Commercial Controls
- Develop and implement standardised subcontract agreements, labour-only agreements and supply chain framework agreements, back-to-back with main contract and framework obligations
- Manage and enhance the subcontractor buying discount programme, negotiating group pricing with named suppliers
- Ensure all agreements include CIS and IR35 compliance obligations, H&S requirements, performance KPIs, named product compliance and variation and final
Group Buyer JBLE1_NI employer: Combined Facilities Management Ltd
CFM is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a collaborative and supportive work culture. With a strong focus on strategic procurement and a commitment to enhancing its buying structure, CFM offers unique opportunities for professionals to take ownership of their roles while contributing to the company's ambitious growth plans. Located across Northern Ireland, employees benefit from a dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the building services sector.
Contact Details:
Combined Facilities Management Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Buyer JBLE1_NI
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on social media, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CFM and understanding their procurement strategies. Familiarise yourself with their projects and values. This will not only help you answer questions but also show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Group Buyer. Highlight your strategic leadership skills and hands-on delivery experience. We want to see how you can enhance CFM's buying structure!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining CFM and contributing to our growth. Let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Buyer JBLE1_NI
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Group Buyer role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement and buying, especially if you've worked with subcontractors or materials. 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 CFM. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your strategic leadership and hands-on delivery in procurement.
Showcase Your Understanding of Supply Chain:In your application, show us you understand supply chain strategy and structure. Discuss any experience you have with supplier on-boarding, performance management, or developing supplier relationships. We love candidates who can think strategically!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the CFM team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Combined Facilities Management Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into CFM's operations and their procurement strategies. Familiarise yourself with their key projects and understand how your experience aligns with their needs. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Be ready to discuss your approach to developing supply chain strategies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or improved procurement processes in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to lead and evolve buying strategies.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share specific instances where you’ve worked with finance, operations, or project teams to achieve common goals.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready about CFM’s future plans and challenges in procurement. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
