At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of materials and equipment for exciting projects in the water sector.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse perspectives are valued; your unique skills could be just what we need!
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic team while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Costain have won extensive work across the water sector this year to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by United Utilities as one of 7 partners to deliver £3bn of projects in the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) between 2025 – 2030. The Procurement and Supply Chain Management function is responsible for the interface with those third‑party organisations who support our business whether that be for procurement of goods and services or the relationship management that underpins any such activities. They support project delivery teams across the sectors to ensure the strategic direction is identified and delivered. This role is hybrid (Aviator Way, Manchester and working from home) days to be agreed.
At Costain, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.
Responsibilities
- The Buyer is a pivotal role within the Procurement and Supply Chain team, responsible for the procurement of essential materials, plant and equipment required for the successful execution of projects.
- Efficient & effective day‑to‑day management of supply chain in support of Site requirements for goods and services.
- Evaluation of requisitions, ensuring best market value is obtained, processing of requested materials and plant by Purchase Orders via the IFS platform.
- Embed and utilise the well‑established procurement Frameworks & Subcontracts to provide end‑to‑end Supply Chain advice, sourcing, supply assurance, delivery, supply chain management and tasking against requirements.
- Collaboratively develop/prepare and issue tender packages with key stakeholders to ensure alignment of targets, improve supplier performance, and implement continuous improvement plans.
- Take ownership for the negotiation of commercial terms, conditions and levels of service (inc KPI’s) with suppliers.
- Collaborate with peers to develop and enhance value, systems, process, and best practice sharing to help achieve best in class performance and bring consistency to sourcing activities.
- Establish and develop excellent working relationships with the Client; Customers; Suppliers, internal functions and other relevant external bodies.
Knowledge, Skills, And Experience
- Previous experience in procurement, preferably within the civil engineering or construction industry.
- Confident in communicating influencing and building relationships with cross‑functional colleagues, suppliers and business stakeholders.
- Proficiency in procurement software and tools, strong understanding of supply chain management principles.
- Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to manage supplier relationships and collaborate with internal teams.
- High attention to detail to ensure accuracy in procurement processes and documentation.
Qualifications
- Full member or working towards the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.
- Full UK Driving Licence.
Material and Plant Buyer in Manchester employer: Costain Group PLC
At Costain, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility between our Aviator Way office in Manchester and home, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. We are committed to employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the water sector as we embark on significant projects during the AMP8 investment cycle.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Material and Plant Buyer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate terms effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Material and Plant Buyer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Material and Plant Buyer role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in civil engineering or construction, to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and how your unique skills can contribute to our team. Don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or achievements that showcase your abilities!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key for this role, include examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. This will help us see your potential to manage supplier relationships effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group PLC
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on procurement principles, especially in the civil engineering or construction sectors. Familiarise yourself with the IFS platform and any relevant procurement software. Being able to discuss your experience confidently will show that you're ready for the role.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've handled successfully. Think about how you achieved the best market value or improved supplier performance. This will demonstrate your ability to negotiate commercial terms effectively, which is crucial for the Buyer role.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves collaborating with various stakeholders, be ready to talk about how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Highlight your communication skills and how you've influenced cross-functional teams or suppliers to achieve common goals.
✨Attention to Detail is Key
Be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in procurement processes and documentation. Share specific strategies you use to maintain high attention to detail, as this is essential for managing requisitions and purchase orders effectively.
