At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement strategies and engage with suppliers for a major clean energy project.
- Company: Join Laing O'Rourke, a leader in infrastructure and construction.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and long-term career opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with support for professional development and diverse candidates.
- Why this job: Be part of a groundbreaking project that powers millions and develop your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong negotiation skills, and a proactive mindset.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Location: Orwell Logistics Park, Ipswich
Hybrid working available | Travel & mobility support options available
This is an opportunity to join one of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes – Sizewell C – a once-in-a-generation clean energy project that will help power over 6 million homes for decades to come.
Working within the Civil Works Alliance (a partnership between Balfour Beatty, Bouygues Travaux Publics and Laing O'Rourke), you'll play a key role in supporting the delivery of procurement and supply chain activities across one of Europe's largest infrastructure projects.
As a Buyer, you'll support Procurement Managers in developing and delivering supply chain strategies that maximise value, ensure compliance and enable the successful delivery of major civil engineering works. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to build or develop their procurement career within a complex, fast-paced project environment.
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting the implementation of procurement strategies and processes across the project
- Assisting with sourcing and engaging an appropriate and capable supply chain
- Preparing and issuing tender enquiries and supporting the end-to-end tender process
- Coordinating commercial and technical reviews of tender submissions with key stakeholders (e.g. HSE, engineering, quality, commercial, planning and logistics teams)
- Supporting tender negotiations and the development of recommendations for contract award
- Assisting with drafting, issuing and execution of contracts in line with project governance
- Supporting the development and management of the project supplier database and market engagement activities
- Assisting with supply chain engagement strategies, including SME and local supplier initiatives and “Meet the Buyer” events
- Supporting the development of sustainable procurement strategies in line with project and client requirements
- Monitoring supply chain performance and supporting reporting activities
- Ensuring all procurement activities are delivered in line with ethical standards, legislation and nuclear regulatory requirements
- Promoting a strong focus on health, safety and environmental performance across all procurement activities
What We're Looking For
- Experience in a procurement, buying or supply chain role within construction, infrastructure or a similar environment
- Understanding of procurement processes and supply chain management principles
- Knowledge of tendering, contract processes and supplier engagement
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Good organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- A collaborative approach with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams
- Proactive mindset with a willingness to learn and develop
- Desirable: Working towards or interest in CIPS (MCIPS) or a related professional qualification (e.g. CIOB, RICS)
- Understanding of commercial principles, risk management and project procurement strategies
- Experience within large-scale infrastructure or regulated environments
Why Join Us?
- Be part of one of the UK's largest and most complex infrastructure projects
- Develop your procurement career within a collaborative alliance environment
- Gain exposure to large-scale supply chain and commercial activities
- Work alongside experienced procurement professionals on a nationally significant programme
- Long-term career opportunities within a major programme of works
- Competitive salary, benefits and hybrid working arrangements
About us: We are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia. Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.
Buyer employer: Laing O'Rourke
Laing O'Rourke is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly in the dynamic environment of Stansted. Employees benefit from comprehensive professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to lead impactful projects within the aviation sector, all while being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Laing O'Rourke.
✨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
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 Laing O'Rourke:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Laing O'Rourke. 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 Laing O'Rourke.
How to prepare for a job interview at Laing O'Rourke
✨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 Laing O'Rourke!
✨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 Laing O'Rourke. 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 Laing O'Rourke's culture.
