At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement activities for essential infrastructure projects and coordinate with project teams.
- Company: Join JN Bentley, a leading civil engineering firm with a strong reputation for quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a supportive culture with great health and lifestyle benefits.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community projects while developing your procurement skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a passion for procurement.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ 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 Severn Trent Water, South West Water, National Grid, Wessex 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.
As a Senior Buyer, you’ll be part of a Procurement Team managing a diverse annual spend portfolio of approximately £95 million.
You’ll work across a broad range of procurement activities, including materials, subcontract packages and externally hired plant framework agreements.
This is a hands-on role supporting specific construction projects.
You’ll coordinate procurement activity, act as a primary contact for project teams and suppliers, and work closely with colleagues across the procurement function to support successful project delivery.
As a Senior Buyer, You Will Support project teams throughout the design and optioneering stages with product and trade knowledge and procurement process understanding.
Coordinate early supplier involvement with project teams.
Liaise with site teams to understand requirements, consider key supply-side factors such as lead times, and ensure requirements are delivered on time.
Manage day-to-day supplier performance, highlighting issues and opportunities for improvement.
Proactively support and resolve delivery, quality and invoice issues with suppliers.
Prepare reports, including cost analysis and forecasting.
Contribute to the implementation of frameworks and SLAs.
Review opportunities for continuous improvement, research new suppliers and assess supplier competency.
Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships, helping ensure a consistent approach across the supply chain.
Take personal responsibility for your own health and safety, your team members, and the supply chains.
What You'll Need A positive, can-do attitude.
A passion for procurement and the sector.
Good communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills.
The ability to work with key stakeholders to achieve positive outcomes.
The ability to work in a fast-paced environment, multitask, prioritise, remain resilient and manage time efficiently.
An active commitment to a collaborative team approach.
Confidence managing stakeholders at all levels of the organisation.
What's In It For You Enjoy hybrid working from our Shifnal 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Buyer employer: JN Bentley
JN Bentley is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture where teamwork and safety are paramount. Located in the Thames Valley, our projects provide unique opportunities to engage in meaningful civils and water work, while enjoying competitive benefits and a commitment to professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨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.
✨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
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to JN Bentley. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at JN Bentley
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
