At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for major civil engineering projects and negotiate with suppliers.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to infrastructure excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous leave options.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community-shaping projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, ideally in construction, with strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Build the Future. Lead the Supply Chain. Deliver Excellence.
Permanent, full-time opportunity with hybrid working arrangements based in Warrington, with travel to project sites and regional offices. Generous salary package and the opportunity to work on major civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
The Opportunity
Are you a commercially driven procurement professional looking to make an impact on complex and high-profile construction projects? We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team, where you will play a key role in developing procurement strategies, securing best value, and building strong relationships across the supply chain. This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of major procurement packages from tender through to award, working closely with project teams to support the successful delivery of industry-leading infrastructure projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop project bid lists and undertake thorough due diligence checks on potential subcontractors and suppliers.
- Create and deliver effective procurement strategies, identifying opportunities to maximise value and reduce risk.
- Develop and manage procurement schedules in line with project programmes and key milestones.
- Lead the tendering process for subcontract packages and material procurement activities.
- Review and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations, considering cost, quality, risk, sustainability, and HSEQ requirements.
- Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process.
- Arrange and chair pre-award meetings before subcontract placement.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with internal governance, procedures, and documentation standards.
- Lead regular procurement review meetings, monitoring progress, costs, risks, and actions.
- Support project teams with supply chain performance management and supplier issue resolution.
- Manage supplier and subcontractor onboarding, including compliance and due diligence processes.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors while keeping up to date with market trends and risks.
- Lead category and trade procurement activities for assigned packages.
- Complete procurement audits for complex and high-value packages.
- Support continuous improvement through supply chain reviews, financial assessments, and lessons learned.
- Represent the business at client meetings, supplier engagements, and industry events.
About You
You are a proactive and commercially minded procurement professional with a strong understanding of the civil engineering and construction supply chain. You are confident managing complex procurement activities, delivering successful negotiations, and working collaboratively with project teams to achieve outstanding results.
Experience & Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years' experience in a procurement role, ideally within civil engineering or construction.
- CIPS qualified or actively working towards a professional CIPS qualification.
- Proven experience procuring subcontract packages and construction materials.
- Strong knowledge of construction supply chains and market conditions.
- Good understanding of construction contracts and various forms of subcontract agreements.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
- Excellent negotiation and influencing abilities.
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external supply chain partners.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work to challenging deadlines.
- Able to work independently and take ownership of procurement activities.
- Competent in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, supplier databases, and document management systems.
- Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working across office and site-based teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Why Join Us?
We value our people and are committed to supporting your career, wellbeing, and professional development. In return, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:
- Competitive pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Generous annual leave entitlement, with the option to purchase additional holidays
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Ongoing training, development, and support towards professional qualifications
- Employee rewards, recognition, and discount schemes
- The chance to work on exciting, challenging infrastructure projects within a collaborative and supportive environment
Take the next step in your procurement career and help deliver the infrastructure that shapes communities for generations to come.
Company information
At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Senior Buyer looking for new employment. As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.
Locations
Senior Buyer in Cheshire, Warrington employer: First Technical Recruitment
At First Recruitment Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Senior Buyer, you will enjoy a generous benefits package, including private medical insurance and ongoing training opportunities, while working on impactful civil engineering projects in Warrington and beyond. Join us to make a meaningful contribution to infrastructure development and advance your career in a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
First Technical Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Cheshire, Warrington
✨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 First Technical Recruitment.
✨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 Cheshire, Warrington
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 First Technical Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to First Technical Recruitment. 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 First Technical Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Technical Recruitment
✨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 First Technical Recruitment!
✨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 First Technical Recruitment. 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 First Technical Recruitment's culture.
