Project Buyer

Overview

The project buyer will manage procurement activities and supplier relationships within assigned projects, ensuring cost‑effective purchasing, timely delivery, and alignment with project goals. This role requires strong supply chain, negotiation, and project management skills, while professionally representing the procurement function and driving cost‑saving initiatives throughout the contract lifecycle.

The employer is a well-established organisation within the Energy & Natural Resources industry. They are recognised for their expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions to their clients. This is an excellent opportunity to join a reputable company in Wolverhampton.

Responsibilities

• Work with Engineering to mutually agree appropriate available material specifications and confirm that material will be sourced to a reasonable time and cost and highlight where possible the material that can be purchased pre-order to secure delivery.
• Identify critical/safety related long lead items, determine and ensure sufficient early supplier engagement to minimise downstream risks and recommend appropriate sub-contracting strategy with Procurement & Project Buyer Manager where appropriate.
• Manage subcontractor /supplier contract lifecycle, expediting with regular reviews with the supply chain, updating and reports from the project procurement plan ensuring delivery \’Right First Time\’, in full and to the agreed cost.
• Manages variations and change control with the subcontractor /supplier contracts in line with head contract and in agreement with the Projects and Commercial Manager.
• Work in a team environment with Projects and Quality Department in managing the supply chain, including management/close out of non-conformance reports.
• Must monitor and review the trending of technical queries (TQ\’s) on a bi-weekly basis to verify reduction in TQ\’s and report to Supply Chain Development Manager. Where trend displays an upward move then report on reasoning.
• Part of the \’Make v Buy\’ Team, supporting the analysis of \’Make v Buy\’ costing data.
• Assess, manage and mitigate subcontractor /supplier risks that could contribute to supply chain disruptions.
• Regular reporting to the Project Manager on the performance of the subcontractors and/or suppliers.
• Support, challenge, and advise all stakeholders, ensuring that the best commercial outcomes are delivered in line with the project.
• Work to harness innovation and add value to deliver a strong focus on customer service.
• Monitor procedural controls and adherence to policies with all colleagues in order to deliver compliant service within risk parameters and benchmarking standards for customers.
• Ensure that decisions and recommendations are based on data, benchmarking and relevant consultation.
• Foster strong supplier relationships that lead to long-term partnerships and continuous improvement.
• Support to tenders as and when required, engaging with supply chain through early supplier/partner engagement in a formal tendering process ensuring on time and high-quality responses for bid input.
• Work with wider procurement team to develop and execute Continuous Improvement Activities (CSIP).

Qualifications

• Knowledge of project life cycles, timelines, budgets, and how procurement integrates with overall project delivery.
• Industry-specific knowledge not necessarily required, but a good understand on materials, products, or services commonly procured in an Energy or Construction industry would be ideal.
• Familiarity with contract terms, conditions, and legal requirements for procurement, with the ability to negotiate favourable agreements.
• Experience in NEC3 / NEC4 form of contract ideal.
• Expertise in cost-saving measures such as strategic sourcing, demand management, and price negotiation.
• Competence in managing supplier relationships, including evaluating supplier performance, managing contracts, and mitigating risks.
• At least 3 to 5 years in a purchasing position managing suppliers, ideally within a project-based environment.
• Either BA Degree qualified and working towards MCIPS qualification or MCIPS qualified.
• IT Literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong communication skills both oral and written.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills at all levels, internal and external to the organisation.
• Understanding of Engineering Drawings and Technical knowledge of Metallurgical properties is ideal.

Job Offer

• Competitive salary ranging from £35,000 to £45,000 per annum.
• Opportunity to work within the Energy & Natural Resources industry.
• Permanent position based in Wolverhampton.
• Supportive and professional work environment.
• Opportunities for career progression and development.

If you are a motivated individual with a passion for procurement, this role in Wolverhampton could be your next career move. Apply now to take the next step in your career as a Project Buyer in the Energy & Natural Resources industry.