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- Tasks: Lead procurement for major energy projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials.
- Company: Join Costain, a forward-thinking company committed to innovation and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on sustainability and innovative practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your negotiation and supply chain skills.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years in procurement, preferably in civil engineering or construction.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Due to continued growth, we have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Buyer to join our procurement team on a major Energy project. The Senior Buyer is a pivotal role within the Procurement and Supply Chain team, responsible for overseeing the procurement of essential materials, equipment, and services required for the successful execution of projects. This role ensures that all procurement activities are conducted in a cost-effective, timely, and efficient manner, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. The Senior Buyer collaborates closely with the operational and commercial teams, and suppliers to secure the best possible value, thereby contributing to the overall success and profitability of the projects. This position demands strong negotiation skills and a thorough understanding of the civil engineering industry to effectively manage supply chains and mitigate risks.
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:- Supporting the Project teams or Procurement Manager to deliver the project, procurement, and supply chain objectives.
- Implementation of procurement strategies that align with project goals and company objectives.
- Maintain procurement schedules and present weekly project meetings.
- Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with suppliers to ensure reliable supply chains and negotiate favourable terms.
- Monitor and control procurement costs, ensuring budget adherence and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Provide procurement support for estimating and work winning opportunities for the Business Unit.
- Working with commercial, negotiate contracts with supply chain, ensuring terms and conditions are favourable and compliant with company policies.
- Ensure all procured materials and services meet the required quality standards and specifications.
- Preparation of RFQ’s, management and evaluation of returns, and making sourcing recommendations to award contracts.
- Process requisitions and raise Purchase Orders in line with company procedures and delegated levels of authorities.
- Identify and mitigate risks associated with procurement activities, including supply chain disruptions and price volatility.
- Oversee inventory levels to ensure materials are available when needed without excessive stockpiling.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with relevant laws, regulations, and company policies.
- Conduct market research and analysis to stay informed about industry trends, pricing, and new products or services that could benefit Costain.
- Regularly assess supplier performance and implement improvement plans to enhance supplier reliability and quality.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in procurement, within the civil engineering or construction industry.
- Minimum 2-3 years of experience in National Grid Power and Transmission project delivery.
- 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.
- Full member or working towards the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (min level 5).
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Knowledge of the civil engineering sector and its specific procurement needs.
- Experience with advanced procurement and inventory management software.
- Proven ability to lead and mentor junior procurement staff.
- Knowledge of sustainable procurement practices and green supply chain management.
- Experience with Oracle or E1 ERP systems.
- Experience of E Tendering portal SourceDogg or similar.
- NEC basic contract knowledge.
Senior Buyer employer: Costain Group
Contact Detail:
Costain Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering and procurement sectors. 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 or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their procurement strategies and recent achievements. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their success right from the get-go!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! Be ready to discuss past experiences where you’ve successfully negotiated contracts or managed supplier relationships. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to secure value and maintain quality—this is key for a Senior Buyer role.
✨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 and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s see what you can bring to the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
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 within the civil engineering sector, and showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how your unique 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 passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our procurement team. Be sure to mention any relevant projects you've worked on that demonstrate your expertise.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your analytical and problem-solving abilities in your application. We’re looking for someone who can manage supplier relationships effectively, so share examples of how you've done this in the past!
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 from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the civil engineering sector. Understand the latest trends, tools, and practices that are relevant to the role of a Senior Buyer. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your passion for the industry.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured favourable terms or resolved conflicts with suppliers. Be ready to discuss your approach to negotiation and how you ensure compliance with company policies while achieving cost savings.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Mindset
Be prepared to talk about how you analyse procurement data and market trends. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have helped you identify cost-saving opportunities or mitigate risks in previous roles. This will highlight your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their procurement strategies and team dynamics. This shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company culture aligns with your values.