At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for major energy projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective sourcing of materials.
- Company: Join a leading company in the civil engineering sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to mentor junior staff and engage in sustainable 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 45000 - 55000 £ 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 operational and commercial teams, suppliers to secure the best possible value, 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.
Responsibilities
- Support the Project teams or Procurement Manager to deliver the project, procurement, and supply chain objectives.
- Implement procurement strategies that align with project goals and company objectives.
- Maintain procurement schedules and present at 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.
- Work with commercial teams to negotiate contracts with the 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.
- Prepare RFQs, manage and evaluate returns, and make sourcing recommendations to award contracts.
- Process requisitions and raise Purchase Orders in line with company procedures and delegated 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.
Qualifications
- 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, and 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 (minimum level 5).
Desirable
- 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.
Equal Employment Opportunity
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that discloses they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
Senior Buyer employer: Costain
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking team at Costain, where we prioritise employee growth and development within a collaborative work culture. As a Senior Buyer on a major Energy project, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, comprehensive training opportunities, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the civil engineering sector. Our commitment to sustainability and innovation ensures that you will be part of a company that values quality, compliance, and the well-being of its employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 Costain.
✨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 Senior 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 Costain:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Costain. 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 Costain.
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain
✨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 Costain!
✨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 Costain. 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 Costain's culture.
