At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and collaborate with teams to meet project goals.
- Company: Join McDermott, a leader in innovative project management and procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to mentor less experienced colleagues.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in supply chain management and develop your expertise.
- Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Supply Chain Management required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Senior Procurement Specialist uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external issues to improve the Procurement discipline within McDermott. They will act as a resource for colleagues with less experience and share their conceptual and practical expertise related to the Procurement discipline. The Senior Procurement Specialist solves complex problems and uses discipline-specific knowledge to improve their products or services. The Senior Procurement Specialist impacts a range of customer, operational, project, or service activities with the Procurement team and other related teams, ensuring they work within the appropriate guidelines and policies.
Essential Qualifications and Education
- Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Supply Chain Management (or a relevant discipline) or HSD/GED/IGCSE with 6 years of relevant experience
- 6-10 years of relevant experience
- Professional Procurement qualification preferred
- Work independently with minimal guidance
- Able to determine own work priorities
- Capable of managing a high volume of procurement packages within a tight timeline and concurrently work with multiple projects as required
- Act as a resource for colleagues with less experience
- Able to apply knowledge and skills to a wide range of standard and nonstandard situations
- Interpret customer needs, assess requirements, and identify solutions to non-standard requests
- Use best practices and knowledge of internal/external business issues to improve products or services in its discipline
- Monitor and control costs within own work
- Solve moderately complex problems; take a new perspective on existing solutions
- Manage own time to meet agreed targets; develop plans for short-term work activities in own area
- Promote teamwork, coach, and guide others
- Knowledge of database software (SPMAT - SharePoint Migration Assessment Tool or Oracle) preferred
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
- Hold responsibility for the Supply Chain function within the Project Management Team
- Collaborate with key stakeholders on the development and implementation of project requirements and have a key interface with the client and vendors to ensure project milestones are met on time and within budget
- Lead the procurement strategy within the Project Management Team, ensuring all contract requirements are incorporated as well as negotiated to include the Project required flow-down conditions to minimize exposure
- Develop a Project Procurement execution plan with the assistance of the supply chain function, to include all purchasing, expediting, logistics, communication, and project goals
- Ensure client needs are identified and effectively addressed, pertaining to all supply chain/procurement requirements, and act where required, as a single point of contact with the client for all supply chain and procurement requirements
- Ensure problems are identified timely and appropriate corrective action plans are developed to allow resolution
- Participate in resolving disputes, claims, and performance issues
- Ensure effective and timely status reporting, including representing the supply chain management function in project team meetings
- Ensure auditable procurement files are maintained and project filing and record retention procedures are implemented
- Ensure adherence to project schedule requirements
- Oversee project supply chain management activities
- Ensure deliverable quality level meets both internal and external customer requirements and expectations
- Interface with peers and others to provide and receive information allowing all to perform more effectively
- Lead efforts to conduct project reviews, including transfer of lessons learned to peers and others as appropriate
- Ensure appropriate approval cycles are maintained
- Manage procurement packages including budget and cost, monitoring expenditures on payment approval, change orders, etc.
- Manage any dispute on claims with vendors, liaising with SPS, PMT, Legal, etc.
- Provide independent advice to the Project Management Team and Function during the project tenure
- Provide support to the SCM Function and Reporting Manager when required, perform tasks as directed
Senior Buyer employer: McDermott International
McDermott International is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises safety and innovation in the offshore energy sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement, alongside competitive benefits that support work-life balance. Located in a thriving industry hub, our team enjoys a collaborative culture that values expertise and fosters long-term client relationships, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
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 McDermott International.
✨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 McDermott International:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to McDermott International. 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 McDermott International.
How to prepare for a job interview at McDermott International
✨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 McDermott International!
✨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 McDermott International. 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 McDermott International's culture.
