At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for major capital projects and ensure best value and quality.
- Company: Join Forterra, a leader in sustainable construction solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal development and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and project delivery in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement with strong commercial acumen and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our Procurement team in the position of Capital Buyer based at our Northampton Head Office. This position will lead and deliver procurement activity for major capital projects and the annual capital expenditure (capex) pipeline across the Forterra business. The role will ensure that all capital equipment, plant, and services—including the annual mobile plant replacement and renewals programme—are procured at best value and quality, while ensuring supply chain security and compliance with business, environmental, and regulatory requirements. The Capital Buyer will operate both tactically and strategically, supporting the delivery of a best-in-class, continuously improving procurement service. The role will work across all areas of the business, including key stakeholders Senior Management Team, Central Engineering, Forterra Plants, Product Management and Sustainability.
Your duties would include but not limited to the following:
- Capital Procurement Function
- Lead the procurement of goods, services, and works for major capital projects and the annual capex pipeline.
- Develop and implement fit-for-purpose procurement processes and policies for capital expenditure.
- Identification, assessment, and mitigation of commercial, supply chain, and contractual risks in capital projects.
- Incorporate sustainability, environmental, and social governance (ESG) criteria into supplier selection and contract terms for capital projects.
- Working with project teams to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving initiatives during project planning and execution.
- Report on capital procurement performance, savings, supplier performance, and project delivery against budget and schedule.
- Lead or participate in post-project reviews and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement in capital procurement processes.
- Support the company’s net zero and decarbonisation initiatives through capital procurement.
- Provide mentoring and support for other team members.
- Deputise for the Head of Procurement as required.
- Project & Programme Delivery
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process for major capital projects, from requirements definition to contract award and mobilisation.
- Oversee the annual mobile plant replacement and renewals programme, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Support project teams in supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution.
- Contract Drafting & Management
- Draft, negotiate, and manage contracts, service level agreements, and framework agreements for capital projects and plant renewals.
- Ensure robust contract management, including performance monitoring, compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Maintain accurate contract records and supplier pricing files.
- Stakeholder Management
- Engage with cross-functional stakeholders to establish requirements, identify opportunities, and promote best practice.
- Provide a customer-focused procurement service to project managers, engineering, and operations teams.
- Supplier Management
- Identify, pre-qualify, and introduce new suppliers for capital projects and plant.
- Build strong supplier relationships and manage supplier performance.
- Monitor market trends and cost drivers relevant to capital procurement.
About You:
- Proven ability to engage, influence, and manage relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including project managers, engineering teams, finance, suppliers, and senior leadership, to ensure alignment of procurement activity with business objectives.
- Strong commercial acumen and/or a business-related qualification.
- Logical and analytical approach, with strong numerical skills.
- Experienced in capital procurement, contract drafting, and project delivery.
- Self-motivated and results oriented.
- Proven proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
The role holder is expected:
- Comply with all aspects of the Forterra Compliance Policy.
- Ensure that all the business/operations are performed in accordance with instructions and procedures and in such a way to prevent any fraudulent activities taking place.
- Ensure all procurement activity for capital projects adheres to Company health, safety, and regulatory requirements, supporting a safe working environment for all stakeholders.
- Proactively pursue professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in capital procurement and project delivery.
- Attend training/development courses as and when required.
Essential:
- Minimum 5 years procurement experience.
- University degree or higher education in a relevant field.
- Ability to lead procurement across major capex projects.
- Procurement strategy and tendering expertise.
- Contract and commercial governance.
- Risk identification and mitigation.
- Stakeholder alignment, management and cross functional collaboration.
- Communication and influencing skills.
- Problem solving and resilience.
- Customer focused mindset.
Desirable:
- Working towards or holder of MCIPS professional diploma.
- Experience with large scale automation and OEM technical projects.
- Knowledge of JCT construction and civils contracting.
- Understanding of sustainability technologies (solar, energy, decarbonisation).
- Coaching / mentoring mindset.
What We Can Offer You:
- Competitive Salary and Benefits package.
- Life Assurance and Company Pension Scheme up to 10% employer contribution.
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Gym benefit and Cycle 2 Work Scheme.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme for self and family members.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
- Service Awards.
- Sharesave Scheme eligibility.
- Holiday Exchange Scheme.
- Financial Wellbeing Program.
- Personal development and opportunities for progression.
- Company Bonus Scheme.
Capital Buyer - Northampton Head Office employer: Forterra
Forterra is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including a generous holiday allowance and a company pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and sustainability, allowing you to engage with key stakeholders across the business while contributing to meaningful capital projects that support our net zero initiatives. Located in Northampton, our head office provides a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and opportunities for professional advancement are abundant.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Capital Buyer - Northampton Head Office
✨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 Forterra.
✨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 Capital Buyer - Northampton Head Office
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 Forterra:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Forterra. 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 Forterra.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forterra
✨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 Forterra!
✨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 Forterra. 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 Forterra's culture.
