At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for subcontract packages in exciting water projects across the West Midlands.
- Company: Join a major UK design-and-build contractor with a focus on infrastructure excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and great health benefits.
- Other info: Hybrid working and ongoing professional development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career in a dynamic environment with real impact on essential infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Experience in subcontract procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A major UK design-and-build contractor delivering long-term infrastructure frameworks within the regulated utilities sector is expanding its regional procurement team to support an increasing pipeline of work across the West Midlands. The business operates across multiple national water programmes with a focus on governance, cost control, and supply chain excellence.
Role Overview
The Subcontract Buyer will manage procurement and commercial engagement with key subcontract partners across a large framework covering the West Midlands. The role involves sourcing, tendering, negotiation, and contract administration for a range of subcontract packages, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations, governance standards, and project delivery objectives. Reporting to the Regional Procurement Manager, the position is based near Derby with hybrid working.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the procurement of subcontract packages across regional water projects
- Manage tender processes including prequalification, RFQs, and contract awards
- Negotiate commercial terms, performance requirements, and contractual conditions
- Ensure compliance with framework agreements and corporate procurement governance
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors to ensure delivery performance
- Support project teams in package scoping, cost validation, and change management
- Monitor subcontractor performance against KPIs, quality, and programme targets
- Maintain procurement documentation and ensure audit compliance
- Contribute to cost forecasting, spend analysis, and reporting
- Promote ethical, sustainable, and efficient procurement practices
Qualifications and Experience
- Proven experience in subcontract procurement within construction, utilities, infrastructure or similar sectors
- Strong commercial understanding of subcontract terms, risk allocation, and compliance frameworks
- Skilled in negotiation, stakeholder management, and supplier engagement
- Experience managing end-to-end subcontract procurement cycles
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and procurement systems (P2P or ERP platforms)
- Organised, analytical, and delivery-focused
- Strong communication and reporting capability
- CIPS qualification or progression toward certification
- Knowledge of NEC contracts and framework delivery environments
- Familiarity with ESG and sustainable procurement standards
- Experience within regulated industries, particularly water or utilities
Benefits and Development
- Generous starting salary of £35,000 to £45,000
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional purchase option
- Contributory pension, life assurance, and private medical cover
- Health insurance, cycle-to-work scheme, and employee benefits platform
- Ongoing professional development and advancement within a major framework delivery programme
This is an excellent opportunity for a Subcontract Buyer to join a leading infrastructure contractor with a growing pipeline of work across the region. It would be well suited to someone looking for rapid career progression and not being given the scope in their current role to develop themselves.
Subcontract Buyer in Leicester employer: Gold
Join a leading UK design-and-build contractor that prioritises employee growth and development within the thriving water infrastructure sector. With a competitive salary, generous benefits package, and a supportive work culture that encourages professional advancement, this role offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a hybrid working model near Derby. Be part of a team that values ethical procurement practices and fosters strong relationships with subcontractors, ensuring a rewarding career path in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Subcontract Buyer in Leicester
✨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 Gold.
✨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 Subcontract Buyer in Leicester
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 Gold:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gold. 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 Gold.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gold
✨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 Gold!
✨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 Gold. 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 Gold's culture.
