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, hybrid working, and the chance to shape future procurement strategies.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Step into a high-impact role and influence the delivery of vital projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong project management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ 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
Senior Buyer - Building Works in Warwick employer: Pontoon
As a Senior Buyer at this major UK infrastructure organisation based in Warwick, you will be part of a dynamic and forward-thinking team that values innovation and collaboration. The company offers a hybrid working model, competitive pay, and the opportunity to influence significant projects that shape the future of infrastructure. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that encourages autonomy and strategic thinking, this role provides a unique chance to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Building Works in Warwick
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Building Works in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Pontoon that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Pontoon can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Pontoon that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Pontoon know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pontoon
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
