At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for major construction bids and develop strategies to enhance competitiveness.
- Company: Join a leading UK construction and infrastructure specialist in East London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence major projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior team members and grow into a leadership position.
- Why this job: Step into a strategic role with real impact on future construction opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Referment is working with a leading UK construction and infrastructure specialist to hire a Senior Buyer to join their Procurement team in East London. This is a strategic procurement role sitting at the heart of the business’s Work Winning and Pre-Construction function, with responsibility for supporting major bids, tenders and future project opportunities. You’ll work closely with estimating, engineering, commercial and pre-construction teams, helping develop procurement strategies that improve bid competitiveness, manage supply chain risk and deliver the best commercial outcomes.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading procurement activity across major bids, tenders and frameworks
- Developing procurement strategies to improve value and bid competitiveness
- Working with estimating and pre-construction teams during tender stages
- Obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations
- Leading pre-contract negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors
- Providing market intelligence, benchmarking and cost insights
- Identifying supply chain risks, constraints and opportunities
- Building relationships with strategic suppliers
- Presenting procurement recommendations during bid reviews
- Managing procurement handovers from bid stage into project delivery
- Supporting and mentoring a Buyer within the Procurement team
What We’re Looking For
You’ll have proven experience within buying or procurement in the construction, engineering or infrastructure sectors, with exposure to major bids, tenders and commercial opportunities. We’re particularly interested in candidates who understand pre-construction procurement, tendering, estimating and bid processes and are comfortable negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors. You’ll need strong commercial acumen and the confidence to influence senior stakeholders, alongside a good understanding of construction supply chains and procurement risk. Previous experience mentoring or supporting junior procurement professionals would be beneficial. A CIPS qualification or progress towards one would be advantageous but is not essential. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Buyer looking to step into a more strategic and influential position, with genuine scope to develop towards a future procurement leadership role.
Senior Buyer - Construction (4F66315) employer: Referment
Referment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Finance Director, you will not only lead the finance function but also play a pivotal role in shaping the company's growth trajectory, with ample opportunities for professional development and advancement. Located in a vibrant B2B technology hub, the company provides a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Construction (4F66315)
✨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 Referment.
✨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 Buyer - Construction (4F66315)
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 Referment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Referment. 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 Referment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Referment
✨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 Referment!
✨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 Referment. 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 Referment's culture.
