At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for the groundbreaking Sizewell C project, shaping the UK's energy future.
- Company: Join the Civil Works Alliance, a collaboration of top construction leaders.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, generous leave, pension schemes, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values creativity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainable energy while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive construction experience, strong negotiation skills, and leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Help Shape the UK’s Energy Future
As part of the CWA (Civil Works Alliance), you will support the building of 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 Marine and Tunnels Section.
What will you do?
Currently we are seeking an experienced Procurement Professional for a critical position within the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), supporting the construction of Sizewell C—a landmark project that will shape the UK’s energy future. As part of the CWA, you’ll be joining a delivery organisation that brings together the collective strength and expertise of Sizewell C and three international construction leaders: Balfour Beatty, Bouygues Travaux Publics, and Laing O’Rourke.
We are looking for a procurement leader who can bring best-in-class service and strategic leadership to our supply chain, ensuring every procurement decision supports our mission of delivering sustainable, reliable energy to the nation.
In this role, you will:
- Implement our Contracting Strategy and Delivery Plan in close partnership with the CWA Procurement Lead
- Deliver on all Procurement and Supply Chain commitments outlined in the Programme Alliance Agreement
- Collaborate with peers to mitigate market risk, unlock project efficiencies, and drive effective procurement and supply chain management
- Develop forward-looking supply chain strategies to ensure we have the right resources for current and future requirements
- Lead key negotiations, ensuring commercial success while managing risk
- Support our teams with tendering, market analysis, supplier selection, and risk assessment
- Foster a culture of inclusion and progression, building and developing a high-performing team
- Uphold ethical standards throughout the procurement process, ensuring compliance with all governance and nuclear regulations
- Build professional relationships with suppliers, sub-contractors, and service providers, driving best value to the project
- Champion our local, diverse, and SME supplier engagement strategies, and play a part in delivering community-focused events
- Drive sustainable procurement and maintain a relentless focus on health and safety
What are we looking for?
We are looking for someone with:
- Demonstrable extensive experience within the construction sector, with an in-depth understanding of the interfaces and relationships that shape our industry
- Strong negotiation, supplier relationship management, and contract law knowledge
- The ability to deliver robust procurement strategies under pressure and to tight deadlines
- Proven leadership in managing operational procurement teams of varying experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- A commitment to ethical, consistent procurement and delivering measurable value through your work
Additional qualifications such as MCIPS, a relevant degree, or other construction industry chartership are highly desirable.
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.
Procurement Lead employer: CWA
Joining the Civil Works Alliance (CWA) as a Traffic Planner means becoming part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the UK's energy future through the Sizewell C project. With a strong emphasis on safety, compliance, and innovation, CWA offers competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and employee growth. Here, you will have the opportunity to contribute to a landmark project while enjoying a collaborative environment that encourages your ideas and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Lead
✨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 Procurement Lead
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.
