At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing and commercial activities for innovative energy projects.
- Company: Join Rolls-Royce SMR, a leader in clean energy solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, flexible working, and generous holidays.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diversity and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the green energy sector with exciting career growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 44600 - 55150 £ per year.
Our mission is to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. Rolls-Royce SMR provides a British solution to a global energy challenge, leading the way in Small Modular Reactor technology and shaping the UK’s premier green export opportunity. Our Procurement function plays a critical role in building the supply chain capability required to deliver our first-of-a-kind SMR and future global fleet. Within this, Siteworks & Operations procurement is key to enabling site readiness, infrastructure delivery and operational capability across our programme.
In this context, we’re looking for a cross functional Senior Buyer – Indirect to lead sourcing and commercial activity across a hugely varied portfolio of category responsibilities. You’ll work closely with Programme, Construction, Engineering, Operations and Commercial teams to shape requirements, influence early decisions and ensure a robust, scalable and high-performing supply chain. Reporting into the Procurement Manager, you’ll play a key role in establishing strong supplier partnerships, driving value and supporting the delivery of a safe, efficient and predictable programme.
We’ll need you to:
- Develop and implement sourcing and category strategies aligned to programme cost, schedule and quality requirements.
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity including pre-qualification, RFx processes, tender evaluation, negotiation and contract award.
- Build and manage a resilient and scalable supply base across siteworks, infrastructure, enabling works and operational services.
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional stakeholders to shape requirements and influence early-stage design and delivery decisions.
- Provide clear commercial insight, translating technical and market information into robust recommendations.
- Ensure governance, compliance and documentation standards are consistently applied across procurement activities.
- Manage supplier performance, identifying risks, opportunities and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support the development of procurement processes, tools and ways of working as the function scales.
You’ll bring:
- Proven experience in procurement operations, infrastructure or construction-related environments.
- Strong commercial acumen with hands-on experience delivering competitive tenders and negotiating supplier agreements.
- Experience working in complex, regulated or safety-critical industries such as energy, nuclear, infrastructure, aerospace or defence.
- Ability to work across technical and commercial interfaces, including cost, programme and supply chain considerations.
- MCIPS (or working towards) is desirable.
Location & Ways of Working: This role can be based from our Derby, Manchester or Warrington offices, with hybrid working and regular engagement with stakeholders and suppliers.
What’s In It for You? The salary for this role is £44,600 – £55,150, dependent on the skills, experience and values you bring. You’ll also receive:
- Bonus: Up to 12.5% (performance related)
- Personal Benefits Allowance: £2,200
- Pension: 12% employer / 6% employee
- Holidays: 28 days + public holidays (option to buy/sell up to 5/4 days)
- Private Medical Insurance: BUPA
- Life Assurance: 6× pensionable pay
- Home Office Support: £250 one off payment for new starters
We offer a flexible, inclusive and supportive working environment, with opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling organisation. We value diversity, innovation and continuous learning.
Why Join Us? You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:
- A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
- Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
- A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.
Our Application Process: Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:
- Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance
- Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
- Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check
Senior Buyer in Warrington employer: Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
Rolls-Royce SMR Limited is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration within the Power Station Integration team. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises personal development and work-life balance, making it an ideal place for engineers looking to grow their careers in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Warrington
✨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 Rolls-Royce SMR Limited.
✨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 in Warrington
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 Rolls-Royce SMR Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Rolls-Royce SMR Limited. 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 Rolls-Royce SMR Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rolls-Royce SMR Limited
✨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 Rolls-Royce SMR Limited!
✨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 Rolls-Royce SMR Limited. 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 Rolls-Royce SMR Limited's culture.
