At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement for exciting civil engineering projects and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join JN Bentley, a leading civil engineering firm with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career growth and access to diverse benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential infrastructure projects while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong communication skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
JN Bentley is a leading civil engineering and construction organisation employing over 2,500 people across the UK.
Working in partnership with clients including South West Water, National Grid, Yorkshire Water, United Utilities and the Environment Agency, we deliver essential infrastructure projects that support communities and the environment while maintaining an excellent reputation for quality, innovation and collaboration.
We're looking for a Buyer to join our Procurement Team, based at our Exeter office, supporting our South West Water framework.
This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with an expectation of around three days per week in the office.
As a Buyer, you'll support the successful delivery of civil engineering and construction projects by coordinating procurement activities across a diverse range of materials, subcontract packages and hired plant requirements.
Working closely with project, site and supplier teams, you'll play a key role in ensuring products and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively and in line with project requirements.
You'll join a Procurement Team managing an annual spend portfolio of approximately £95 million, providing excellent opportunities to broaden your procurement expertise and develop your career.
As a Buyer, you will
- Support procurement activities across allocated projects.
- Coordinate supplier engagement during design and planning stages.
- Work with project teams to identify procurement requirements.
- Manage supplier relationships and day-to-day performance.
- Resolve delivery, quality and invoice queries.
- Monitor supplier lead times and delivery schedules.
- Prepare procurement reports, forecasts and cost analysis.
- Support the implementation of frameworks and supplier agreements.
- Collaborate with site teams to ensure project requirements are met.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement performance and value.
What you'll need
- Previous experience in a Buyer or procurement role.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and project teams.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Experience managing multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
- Experience within civil engineering, construction or a related industry would be advantageous.
What's in it for you?
Enjoy hybrid working from our Exeter office, a competitive salary, and a fantastic working culture.
We offer a supportive environment and access to a wide range of financial, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
To view our full range of benefits, please see the Bentley benefits brochure attached.
Buyer in Exeter employer: JN Bentley Experienced Careers
At JN Bentley, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our Exeter office provides a supportive environment with hybrid working options, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to impactful infrastructure projects. With access to extensive employee growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, joining our Procurement Team as a Buyer means becoming part of a company that values your development and well-being.
Contact Details:
JN Bentley Experienced Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Exeter
✨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 JN Bentley Experienced Careers.
✨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 Buyer in Exeter
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 JN Bentley Experienced Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to JN Bentley Experienced Careers. 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 JN Bentley Experienced Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at JN Bentley Experienced Careers
✨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 JN Bentley Experienced Careers!
✨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 JN Bentley Experienced Careers. 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 JN Bentley Experienced Careers's culture.
