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- Tasks: Lead sourcing and negotiation of subcontract packages for large-scale utilities projects.
- Company: Established utilities contractor with a strong focus on commercial and supply-chain excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, structured training, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the utilities sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in subcontract procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Based in Preston with regional engagement and excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
A well-established utilities contractor is seeking an experienced Subcontract Buyer to join its commercial and supply-chain function in Preston. This position plays a central role in procuring subcontract labour and service packages that support large-scale utilities works across the region.
The Subcontract Buyer will lead sourcing, negotiation, and administration of subcontract packages, ensuring commercial value, supply-chain reliability, and full compliance with organisational and regulatory requirements. The role will support operations, project delivery, and category management activity.
Responsibilities- Source, tender, and negotiate subcontract packages across utilities, civils, and related services
- Manage supplier pre-qualification, onboarding, and compliance requirements
- Ensure commercial terms, scopes, and pricing structures are aligned with budget and programme needs
- Support framework agreements and category strategies to secure capacity and mitigate risk
- Monitor supplier performance, delivery standards, and adherence to HSEQ obligations
- Resolve supply-chain issues, claims, and variations in collaboration with commercial teams
- Maintain procurement documentation, contract files, and reporting outputs aligned with audit requirements
- Build strong internal relationships with project managers, quantity surveyors, and operational delivery leads
- Background in subcontract procurement within utilities, infrastructure, construction, or civils
- Strong commercial negotiation skills and understanding of contract law principles
- Experience running competitive tenders and bid evaluations
- Ability to interpret scopes of work and translate operational requirements into robust subcontract packages
- Confident communicating with suppliers, operational stakeholders, and commercial leadership
- Competent user of procurement systems and documentation standards
- Based in Preston with regional engagement
- Structured training, commercial development, and potential progression into senior procurement roles
Subcontract Buyer in Preston employer: Robert Walters UK
Contact Detail:
Robert Walters UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subcontract Buyer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the utilities and construction sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their procurement processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills during interviews. Bring examples of past successes in sourcing and managing subcontract packages. This is your chance to demonstrate your value to the team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Subcontract Buyer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in subcontract procurement, especially within utilities or construction. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your commercial negotiation prowess!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Subcontract Buyer role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on specific examples that demonstrate your ability to source, tender, and negotiate subcontract packages. We’re keen to see how you’ve tackled challenges in past roles and what results you achieved.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Walters UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of subcontract procurement, especially within utilities and construction. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and challenges in the industry, as well as the specific requirements of the role. This will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since strong commercial negotiation skills are key for this role, think about potential negotiation scenarios you might face. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms or resolved conflicts. This will showcase your ability to handle similar situations in the new role.
✨Build Relationships
The job involves collaborating with various stakeholders, so be ready to discuss how you've built strong internal relationships in previous roles. Think of specific examples where your communication skills helped you work effectively with project managers or suppliers. This will highlight your teamwork abilities and fit for the company culture.
✨Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge
Understanding compliance is crucial for this position. Be prepared to talk about your experience with supplier pre-qualification and compliance requirements. Highlight any relevant processes you've implemented or improved in the past, as this will demonstrate your capability to maintain high standards in procurement.
