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- Tasks: Source goods and services, negotiate with suppliers, and manage purchasing activities.
- Company: Forward-thinking construction business in Reading that values innovation and strong supplier partnerships.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Supportive team environment with exposure to both operational and strategic procurement.
- Why this job: Join a strategic procurement team and make a real impact on cost savings and operational success.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and construction experience required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Hybrid working: 3 in the office, 2 at home
Hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Construction experience is essential.
We are working with a well-established and forward-thinking business based in Reading who are looking to strengthen their procurement team with an experienced Buyer / Procurement Specialist. This is a great opportunity to join a business that values innovation, continuous improvement, and strong supplier partnerships, while playing a key role in supporting operational delivery across multiple projects.
Your role will see you work closely with the Procurement Manager and Buyers to support end-to-end purchasing activity across both UK and international supply chains. You will be responsible for sourcing goods and services to meet project requirements and budgets, negotiating with suppliers to secure the best possible value, and ensuring smooth delivery of materials and services to support operational needs.
You will also:
- Manage purchasing requisitions and process purchase orders using Sage 200
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to drive cost savings
- Build and maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships
- Identify and onboard new suppliers and product streams to support innovation
- Support cross-departmental communication regarding supply chain challenges
- Work closely with Accounts to ensure timely invoice approvals and payments
- Analyse costs and contribute to ongoing cost reduction initiatives
- Produce purchasing reports and maintain accurate pricing data
- Support supplier performance reviews and risk assessments
- Ensure compliance with company policies, HS&E standards, and procurement procedures
Qualifications:
- At least 3 years' experience in a procurement or buying role (construction essential)
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Good commercial awareness with an understanding of cost impact on operations
- Ability to read technical drawings
- Confident user of Excel and Sage 200
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Clear communication and influencing skills
- Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Full UK driving licence
- CIPS (or working towards) would be advantageous but not essential
This is an opportunity to join a business that genuinely values procurement as a strategic function, where your input will directly impact cost savings, supplier performance, and operational success. You will be part of a supportive team with exposure to both operational and strategic procurement activity.
Procurement Specialist in London employer: Focus Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Focus Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Procurement Specialist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your negotiation skills. Since you'll be dealing with suppliers, practice how to articulate your value and approach discussions confidently. Mock interviews with friends can help you nail down your pitch!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive cost savings in previous roles. Bring examples of reports or analyses you've done to demonstrate your impact on procurement decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Tailor your application to highlight your construction experience and how it aligns with our values of innovation and strong supplier partnerships.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Specialist role. Highlight your construction experience and any relevant skills, like negotiation and supplier management. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention your experience with Sage 200 and any cost-saving initiatives you've led.
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don't forget to showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills. We love candidates who can manage multiple priorities and communicate clearly, so give us examples of how you've done this in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Resourcing
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the construction sector. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with sourcing goods and services, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships. This will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare some examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Think about how you secured cost savings or improved supplier terms. This is a key part of the job, so demonstrating your ability to negotiate effectively will definitely impress the interviewers.
✨Get Familiar with Sage 200
Since you'll be using Sage 200 for processing purchase orders, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the software if you haven't already. Mentioning your proficiency or willingness to learn will show that you're proactive and ready to adapt to their systems.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
During the interview, practice clear and concise communication. Be prepared to discuss how you handle cross-departmental challenges and supplier performance reviews. Strong communication skills are essential in this role, so make sure you convey your thoughts confidently.