At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of subcontract packages and materials for exciting engineering projects.
- Company: Leading civil engineering organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, discretionary bonus, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team delivering impactful engineering solutions across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in procuring NEC subcontract packages and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Procurement Heads have partnered with an industry leading civil engineering organisation to recruit a Senior Subcontract Buyer. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for managing the procurement of NEC subcontract packages and materials across live projects and tenders, ensuring best value, compliance, and strong supply‑chain performance. You will be joining a multidisciplinary contractor delivering innovative engineering solutions across sectors including rail, highways, aviation, marine, energy, water and environmental infrastructure.
As Senior Subcontract Buyer your key responsibilities will be:
- Establishing, maintaining and improving effective procurement controls in line with company policy and business objectives
- Developing subcontractor bid lists and undertake full due diligence for tender and project procurement packages
- Collaborating with Project Teams to develop procurement strategies, identifying and managing risk and opportunity
- Preparing, managing and maintaining procurement schedules aligned to project programmes
- Leading commercial negotiations with subcontractors and suppliers
- Ensure governance compliance, correct documentation usage and audit readiness
- Chair regular Project Procurement Reviews, tracking programme dates, tender allowances, order values and actions
- Implementing supply chain agreements, including Mini Frameworks and Preferred Supplier Agreements
Skills and experience required:
- Proven experience procuring NEC subcontract and materials packages within civil engineering or construction
- Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills and stakeholder management
- Ability to operate collaboratively within multi‑disciplinary project teams
- Highly organised, detail‑focused and able to manage multiple workstreams
Benefits of the Senior Subcontract Buyer role include:
- £50,000-55,000 + car allowance
- Discretionary bonus
- Up to 8% pension
Senior Subcontract Buyer in Preston employer: Procurement Heads
At Procurement Heads, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, particularly in the dynamic fields of Technology, Real Estate, and Professional Services, we offer a competitive benefits package and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, making it an ideal place for talented procurement professionals to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Subcontract Buyer in Preston
✨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 Procurement Heads.
✨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 Subcontract Buyer in Preston
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 Procurement Heads:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement Heads. 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 Procurement Heads.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨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 Procurement Heads!
✨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 Procurement Heads. 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 Procurement Heads's culture.
