At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement lifecycle for construction projects in the pharmaceutical sector.
- Company: Leading global construction business specialising in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, additional benefits, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Work closely with clients and suppliers in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact on complex, regulated projects.
- Qualifications: Five years' experience in construction procurement and strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham or Macclesfield
Salary: 50,000–70,000 + package, dependent on experience
The Opportunity
I’m working with a leading global construction business specialising in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, who are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Buyer to join their EMEA Procurement team. Ideally based within commuting distance of either Birmingham or Macclesfield, you’ll report directly to the Head of Procurement for UK/EMEA and take ownership of procurement activities across a range of projects throughout the region. This is an excellent opportunity to join an established international business and play a key role in delivering complex projects within highly regulated, technically demanding environments.
The Role
As Senior Buyer, you’ll manage the full procurement lifecycle for your assigned project packages, from initial sourcing and tendering through to contract award and post-award management. Your packages will cover a varied range of requirements, including:
- Capital equipment across process, mechanical, electrical, automation and instrumentation disciplines.
- Construction trade contracts.
- Professional services contracts.
Working closely with project teams, clients and suppliers, you’ll ensure procurement activities are commercially robust, compliant with company procedures and aligned with individual project requirements.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Acting as a senior representative of the Procurement function, ensuring adherence to internal procedures and standards.
- Representing the business in client-facing discussions and acting as a key point of contact for client procurement teams.
- Supporting project initiation, including the development of project-specific Procurement Execution Plans.
- Identifying, researching and qualifying new contractors and suppliers.
- Evaluating existing suppliers and monitoring their suitability for project requirements.
- Managing the tender process from receipt of package scope through to enquiry, bid evaluation and recommendation for award.
- Conducting detailed commercial evaluations of supplier and subcontractor proposals.
- Supporting post-award procurement and package management to ensure project requirements are met.
About You
To be considered, you should have:
- A minimum of five years' experience in a project procurement role within the construction industry.
- Good knowledge of construction trade contracts and capital equipment procurement.
- Experience managing procurement packages through the full tender and award process.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to evaluate complex supplier proposals.
- Confident communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to work effectively with project teams, clients and suppliers.
- MCIPS qualified or currently working towards the qualification would be advantageous.
Salary & Benefits
50,000–70,000 basic salary, dependent on experience. Additional company benefits and package.
Interested?
If you have a construction procurement background and are looking for your next opportunity with a leading international business operating in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, I’d be keen to hear from you. Get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Senior Buyer employer: Kenton Black
Join a leading subcontractor in the UK, where you will be part of a dynamic team working on a landmark £200m highways infrastructure project. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering our engineers the chance to develop their skills while contributing to significant civil engineering achievements. With a strong pipeline of work and long-term contract potential, this role provides not just a job, but a meaningful career path in a thriving industry.
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 Kenton Black.
✨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 Kenton Black:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Kenton Black. 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 Kenton Black.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kenton Black
✨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 Kenton Black!
✨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 Kenton Black. 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 Kenton Black's culture.
