At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing across technical categories and manage supplier engagement processes.
- Company: Join a large, complex infrastructure organisation with a focus on collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Flexible working and a welcoming team that values continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Unique chance to work in a fascinating technical environment and advance your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or project roles, ideally within engineering or construction.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 52000 £ per year.
A large, complex infrastructure organisation is seeking a Buyer to join them on a hybrid basis. This role requires an experienced candidate within procurement, purchasing or a project-based role in the engineering, infrastructure or construction industry. This is a technical role within a busy department.
Key responsibilities include:
- Support purchasing activity across infrastructure, operational, facilities and other technical categories
- Help set up fair and compliant supplier engagement processes, ensuring strong standards around ethics, health safety, and corporate responsibility
- Assist with end-to-end tender activity including supplier sourcing, timelines, documentation and pricing coordination
- Review and assess supplier submissions, checking commercial detail, cost structures and compliance with contractual/legal requirements
- Take part in clarification discussions with both suppliers and internal teams to resolve technical and commercial queries
- Support negotiation activity and contribute to supplier selection decisions and tender award recommendations
- Prepare, issue and help manage contracts through to completion and signature
- Monitor supplier delivery and performance, supporting contract variations, change control and issue resolution where required
- Track key commercial risks including guarantees, penalties and contractual obligations
- Provide regular updates and progress reporting to senior procurement stakeholders
What we’re looking for:
- Previous experience in purchasing, procurement, or a project-focused role within a technical environment
- Familiarity with SAP or other similar procurement/ERP systems
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including data handling and reporting
- Background in engineering, infrastructure, or construction would be highly advantageous
Why apply?
- Unique chance to join a high-performing organisation in a technically fascinating environment
- Excellent salary and benefits package
- Hybrid working with strong flexibility
- A welcoming team culture that values collaboration, expertise and continuous improvement
This is a fantastic opportunity for a detail-oriented and proactive standards professional ready to take the next step in their career. If you feel you meet the above criteria, apply today for immediate consideration.
Buyer in Kent employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
Join a large, complex infrastructure organisation that offers a unique opportunity for professional growth in a technically fascinating environment. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and continuous improvement, employees enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with the flexibility of hybrid working. This welcoming team culture values expertise and provides a platform for you to make a meaningful impact in the procurement field.
Contact Details:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Kent
✨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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd.
✨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 in Kent
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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd. 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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
✨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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd!
✨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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd. 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 Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd's culture.
