At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for a groundbreaking low-carbon power station project.
- Company: Join the Civil Works Alliance, a collaborative team shaping the future of energy.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, pension schemes, and flexible perks.
- Other info: Diverse workplace culture that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Opportunity with the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), supporting Sizewell C. Sizewell C will be a 3.2-gigawatt power station generating low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and will play a key role in our energy future, supplying reliable, clean electricity for at least 60 years. This role will be within the Enabling and Earthwork Section.
What will you do?
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for key subcontract, material, plant, and equipment packages.
- Conduct market analysis to identify suitable suppliers and subcontractors.
- Ensure alignment with project objectives, budget constraints, and client requirements.
- Manage the end-to-end tendering process via Jaggaer (e-tendering portal), including issuing RFQs/ITTs and evaluating responses.
- Engage with the supply chain to foster competition and ensure best value procurement.
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and contract conditions with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Award contracts in accordance with project governance and procurement policies.
- Monitor supplier performance against contract requirements, driving continuous improvement.
- Resolve commercial or contractual issues with suppliers, ensuring risk mitigation.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Work closely with the ECI team, project managers, and commercial teams to ensure procurement aligns with project schedules and delivery requirements.
- Provide procurement advice and recommendations to senior leadership.
- Ensure procurement activities support the wider business unit’s objectives and project milestones.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure procurement processes comply with CDM regulations, NEC contracts, and nuclear sector standards.
- Maintain accurate records of procurement activities and contracts.
- Identify and mitigate procurement risks, ensuring supply chain resilience.
- Track and report on procurement performance, cost savings, and supplier efficiency.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, value engineering, and process optimisation.
- Support procurement best practices and contribute to business-wide sourcing strategies.
What are we looking for?
- Experience managing end-to-end procurement processes, including tendering, supplier evaluation, negotiation, and contract management.
- Proficiency in using e-tendering platforms such as Jaggaer (or similar).
- Strong supply chain engagement experience, including supplier relationship management and performance monitoring.
- Commercial acumen with experience in cost analysis, risk management, and value engineering.
- Ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project management, engineering, and commercial teams.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- A track record of ensuring compliance with nuclear safety and environmental regulations is a significant asset.
Qualifications & Experience
- Proven experience in a procurement or senior buyer role, ideally within construction, engineering, infrastructure, or a related industry.
- MCIPS
What we will offer you?
The CWA is a single delivery organisation made up of the client (Sizewell C) and three parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues and Laing O'Rourke - which offer industry leading packages including market leading salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, pension scheme and other flexible benefits.
About Us
The CWA celebrates the creativity and innovation that comes from a diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds — especially those from under‑represented communities. Our project is built on five core values: Humility, Positivity, Respect, Solidarity, and Clarity. By joining us, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, speak up, and share your ideas. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. If you decide to apply, please avoid including sensitive personal data in your CV.
Senior Buyer in Ipswich employer: CWA
The Civil Works Alliance (CWA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and innovation while supporting the construction of Sizewell C, a pivotal low-carbon power station. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring a supportive culture where every voice is valued. With opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across leading industry partners, CWA is dedicated to building a sustainable future and empowering its workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Ipswich
✨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 CWA.
✨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 in Ipswich
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 CWA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to CWA. 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 CWA.
How to prepare for a job interview at CWA
✨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 CWA!
✨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 CWA. 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 CWA's culture.
