At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and supply chain for highway programmes, ensuring compliance and efficiency.
- Company: Join a dedicated team in the Environment & Transport department of Leicestershire Council.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied tasks and a chance to improve processes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public services while developing your skills in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or supply chain, strong organisational and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 14.83 - 14.83 £ per hour.
Location: LE9
Department: Environment & Transport
Highways Delivery, Commercial & Business Support
Salary: £14.83 per hour
To work between the hours of 7am and 4.30pm (start and finish to be agreed)
About the Role
As a Technician (Buyer), you will provide an efficient, compliant procurement and supply chain service, supporting the delivery of both revenue and capital highway programmes. You'll be responsible for hiring, leasing and purchasing plant, equipment and materials, while ensuring all procurement activities comply with Council procedures and relevant procurement legislation. You'll also help manage supplier performance, maintain accurate purchasing records, and provide first-class support to operational teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Procure goods, materials and plant in line with Council Contract Procedure Rules and Public Contracts Regulations.
- Process purchase requisitions and raise purchase orders using Oracle E-Business Suite.
- Manage procurement opportunities through the Due North electronic tendering portal.
- Arrange plant and material deliveries, collections, hires and off-hires.
- Support contract and supplier management activities, including supplier performance monitoring and contract meetings.
- Maintain accurate and auditable procurement records, including quotation processes.
- Provide advice and support to operational teams on procurement and resource availability.
- Respond professionally to customer enquiries and resolve issues effectively.
- Produce reports, management information and documentation using relevant IT systems.
- Continuously identify opportunities to improve processes and ways of working.
What We're Looking For
- Experience in purchasing, procurement, supply chain or commercial administration.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Confidence using IT systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- The ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues, contractors and suppliers.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- An understanding of procurement regulations and contract procedures would be advantageous, although training can be provided.
Why Join Us?
Working within Highways Delivery means becoming part of a team that helps keep Leicestershire moving. You'll work alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment where your contribution directly supports the delivery of essential public services. If you're looking for a varied role where no two days are the same and where you can make a real difference through effective procurement and supply chain support, we'd love to hear from you.
Purchasing Technician - Buyer in London employer: Quest Employment
Join a dynamic and innovative company that values hands-on expertise and offers a supportive work culture for Field Installation Engineers. With competitive salaries, a comprehensive pension scheme, and opportunities for career development through ongoing training, you will thrive in a role that combines travel with practical problem-solving across major UK retail environments. Experience the satisfaction of working in a varied role while being part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to excellence in refrigerated display systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Technician - Buyer in London
✨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 Quest Employment.
✨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 Purchasing Technician - Buyer in London
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 Quest Employment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Quest Employment. 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 Quest Employment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Quest Employment
✨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 Quest Employment!
✨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 Quest Employment. 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 Quest Employment's culture.
