At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage procurement for innovative construction projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Equans Data Centres, a leader in data centre solutions across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your voice.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of digital infrastructure while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Equans Sci-Tech and Equans Data Centres is looking to recruit a Project Buyer, to join the Procurement team based in Didsbury, Manchester.
As a key member of a close-knit team, the Project Buyer will provide a comprehensive and expert procurement service to support the business, playing a pivotal role in developing innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable supply strategies that mitigate risk and deliver value.
The role will also be instrumental in strengthening and expanding the supply chain to meet the demands of high-growth sectors, particularly within the UK Data Centre market.
While primarily based in Manchester, occasional travel to regional offices and project sites will be required.
This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, technical projects that are shaping the future of digital infrastructure, while making a real impact within a high-growth business and benefiting from excellent career progression opportunities across a global organisation.
What you will deliver?
- Manage the procurement of all Packages for allocated Engineering Construction Projects in line with agreed procurement strategy, ensuring best value solutions for the business.
- Provide an effective and professional service in the procurement of sub-contractors and material/equipment (OEM) for strategic trades including delivery/construction stage project management.
- Manage Projects stakeholders from Operational to Design Team and engage with Senior Project management.
- Be involved in all stages of the projects from, tender, preconstruction, contract negotiations and construction.
- Utilising your experience in M&E building services to Deliver competitive procurement solutions that balance cost, quality and sustainability.
- Supply chain management, including sourcing and structuring the supply chain, carrying out performance and relationship management to drive improved performance/cost benefits.
- Monitor supply chain performance, compliance, workload, and financial status to ensure the company is protected.
- Support the implementation of Carbon Reduction with the supply chain.
What can we offer you?
- On offer is a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes;
- 25 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Life Cover equivalent to 4 times annual salary
- Company Stakeholder Pension Scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- 2 corporate social responsibility days per year
- Broad range of learning opportunities, such as professional qualifications, collective/individual training, and personalised support programmes
- Attractive Employee Referral Rewards Scheme
- Access to our growing employee networks including Access Ability (representing those with physical and mental disabilities), Encompass (representing the LGBTQ+ community), RISE (representing people from ethnic backgrounds), WOMEN TOGETHER (representing women in Equans), Working Parents, and Young Professionals.
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Program and access to mental wellbeing app
Who are we looking for?
- Solid understanding of strategic procurement/buying practices.
- Demonstrated successful operational buying on Construction Projects.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and packages in a fast-paced dynamic environment.
- Strong understanding of Construction project life cycle (Riba stage design).
- Strong negotiation skills.
- A strong team player who is customer focused with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
- Excellent Written and verbal Communication.
- Effective problem-solving and strong analytical skills
- Highly methodical with a systematic approach to tasks.
- Strong knowledge of sustainability and safety within procurement practices.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365, especially Excel.
- Attention to detail and strong time management.
- Accredited degree or equivalent (i. e CIPS).
Who are we?
Equans Data Centres is a strategic data centre partner.
We deliver the whole data centre, providing full general contracting for hyperscaler and colocation data centre projects across Europe, through a single point of contact.
Leveraging Bouygues Energies & Services and Equans' experiences, we provide expertise in construction and engineering, global standardisation, precision localisation and total control of the supply chain.
This enables us to deliver data centres with the best possible quality, speed to delivery and high repeatability and scalability – to realise client needs for cost transparency, low risk, continual availability, innovation and certainty of planning and outcomes.
With more than 1,200 highly skilled employees across 8 European countries, Equans Data Centres has delivered over 400,000m2 of data halls, exceeding 640MW of IT space for major data centres providers such as VIRTUS Data Centres, Digital Reality, Equinix, Vantage Data Centres, Stack Infrastructure, Data4 and many others.
What’s next
If this role is of interest to you, please click below to register, apply, and track your progress! A member of our Resourcing Team will review your application and be in touch.
As part our commitment to better reflect the markets within which we operate, we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010.
At Equans we’re committed to delivering a culture where everyone’s voice is heard and supported.
We know the value a diverse workforce creates, delivering better results for our people, customers, and stakeholders.
Diversity and inclusion is at the core of what we do, should you join Equans you’ll find a welcoming and open workplace where you’re supported and encouraged to be your true self at work.
You’ll also have access to our growing employee networks including Access Ability (representing those with physical and mental disabilities), Encompass (representing the LGBTQ+ community), RISE (representing people from ethnic backgrounds), Veterans & Reservists, WOMEN Together (representing women in Equans), Working Parents, and Young Professionals.
For this role, you must have evidence of the right to work in the UK.
Unfortunately, we are not able to offer a re-location package with this job role.
Certain roles may require applicants to undergo a Disclosure check, as noted in the role requirements.
The EQUANS Resourcing Team supports this job advert.
Agency involvement is not required.
All related enquiries must come to the resourcing team not direct to Bouygues Energies & Services and EQUANS Managers
Project Buyer in Manchester employer: Equans Data Centres
Equans Data Centres is an exceptional employer, offering a robust Early Careers programme that allows apprentices to gain hands-on experience while earning a competitive salary. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a diverse and inclusive work culture, and access to extensive learning opportunities, including professional qualifications and support networks, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Buyer in Manchester
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Equans Data Centres, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Buyer at Equans Data Centres.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Buyer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Equans Data Centres
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
