At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for exciting engineering projects in Nuclear, Defence, and more.
- Company: Join a well-established procurement team with a collaborative spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, hybrid working, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a smooth handover with overlap support and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact on complex projects while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong contract knowledge, and MCIPS qualification preferred.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Buyer to join a well-established procurement and supply chain function on a 12-month maternity cover contract. This role will support a wide range of complex engineering and infrastructure projects across sectors including Nuclear, Defence, Power, and Life Sciences. The successful candidate will work closely with internal project teams, consultants, contractors, and suppliers to deliver procurement and commercial objectives effectively.
An overlap period with the current incumbent is planned to ensure a smooth handover.
The Role
- Managing procurement activities across multiple projects and stakeholders
- Supporting sourcing strategies, supplier engagement, and contract negotiations
- Drafting, negotiating, and administering contracts, particularly NEC forms
- Advising project teams on procurement best practice and contract management
- Working collaboratively with commercial, planning, and project control teams
- Supporting supplier performance and supply chain management activities
- Ensuring compliance with UK procurement and finance legislation
Requirements
- Significant experience within procurement or supply chain roles in construction, engineering, infrastructure, or a related industry
- Strong working knowledge of UK standard forms of contract, particularly NEC4 PSC
- Experience drafting, negotiating, and administering contracts
- Good understanding of UK procurement and finance legislation
- MCIPS qualification (or currently working towards)
- Relevant degree qualification or equivalent industry experience
- Experience using COINS software (desirable)
Additional Information
- Hybrid working arrangement with 3 days from home and 2 office days per week in Manchester
- Full right to work in the UK is essential
If you are an experienced procurement professional looking for your next contract opportunity within a complex project environment, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Buyer in Salford employer: DATS Recruitment Ltd
As a C&I Engineer with us, you'll be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, working on exciting projects across Europe. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth in a supportive work culture that encourages continuous learning and development. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a vibrant, international environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Salford
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Salford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show DATS Recruitment Ltd that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, DATS Recruitment Ltd can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows DATS Recruitment Ltd that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let DATS Recruitment Ltd know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at DATS Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
