At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for critical infrastructure projects and manage multiple sourcing activities.
- Company: Major UK infrastructure organisation with a focus on long-term investment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate of £500 per day and hybrid working model.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement in a high-impact, autonomous role.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within infrastructure and strong knowledge of NEC contracts.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Warwick (Hybrid - with supplier site visits)
Pay Rate: £500 per day via umbrella (Inside IR35)
Contract Length: 12-month contract
The Opportunity
We're supporting a major UK infrastructure organisation at a pivotal point in a long-term investment programme. They are looking for an experienced Senior Category Buyer to take ownership of a newly established procurement framework and play a key role in delivering a pipeline of critical projects. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a high-impact, autonomous role, where you'll help shape procurement delivery over the next five years - blending strategic influence with hands-on sourcing.
The Role
This is a high-volume, delivery-focused procurement role, where success comes from managing multiple sourcing activities simultaneously rather than focusing on one large project. You'll play a key role in bringing suppliers, project teams, and internal stakeholders together, ensuring smooth delivery of initial contracts and setting up a repeatable model for future work.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the mobilisation of a newly awarded framework, ensuring it is fully operational
- Deliver multiple concurrent sourcing activities (design-stage call-offs)
- Manage ~30 live projects at any given time, balancing competing priorities
- Coordinate closely with:
- Project and development teams
- External suppliers
- Establish strong supplier relationships and effective communication channels
- Support delivery of NEC-based contracts (including design contracts)
- Advise stakeholders on procurement approach and contract strategy
- Build a repeatable procurement process for long-term programme delivery
What We're Looking For
Essential Experience
- Proven background in procurement within infrastructure, construction or engineering environments
- Experience managing multiple sourcing events/projects simultaneously
- Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
- Confident engaging and influencing multiple stakeholders
- Demonstrated experience of end-to-end sourcing and contract delivery
Desirable
- Experience mobilising or working with procurement frameworks
- Exposure to design-stage contracts
- Knowledge of NEC Option C (target cost) environments
- Utilities or energy sector experience (not essential)
Please note: Due to the high volume of applications, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 48 hours, unfortunately, your application has not been successful on this occasion. However, we may retain your details for any future suitable vacancies and contact you accordingly.
Pontoon is an employment consultancy. We put expertise, energy, and enthusiasm into improving everyone's chance of being part of the workplace. We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.
If you require reasonable adjustments at any stage, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.
Senior Category Buyer in Warwick employer: Nub News
At our Warwick location, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. As a Senior Category Buyer, you will benefit from a high-impact role with opportunities for professional growth while working on critical infrastructure projects. Our commitment to employee development, coupled with a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives, makes us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Buyer in Warwick
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the infrastructure and procurement sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success in managing multiple sourcing activities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience with NEC contracts and how you've successfully managed multiple projects. Highlight specific examples that demonstrate your ability to balance competing priorities and deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Buyer in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Category Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within infrastructure and NEC contracts. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed multiple sourcing activities and built strong supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your skills in managing concurrent projects and engaging stakeholders. We love seeing candidates who can juggle multiple priorities while keeping everyone on the same page!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nub News
✨Know Your NEC Contracts
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of NEC contracts, especially Option C. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you understand the nuances of the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Multi-Tasking Skills
Since this role involves managing around 30 live projects simultaneously, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully juggled multiple sourcing activities. Highlight your organisational skills and how you prioritise tasks.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your ability to establish strong relationships with suppliers and stakeholders. Prepare anecdotes that demonstrate your communication skills and how you've influenced others in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in a fast-paced environment. Think about challenges you've faced in procurement and how you overcame them, particularly in infrastructure or construction settings.
