At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes and ensure efficient material requests for E&M and Property Services.
- Company: Join Scottish Water, a trusted organisation dedicated to serving Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days of holiday, flexible working, and a company bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for personal growth and a supportive work environment await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team making a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience with Salesforce and FAB systems, strong communication skills, and a customer-focused mindset.
The predicted salary is between 31640 - 36460 £ per year.
Together we are Trusted to Serve Scotland. This is an exciting time in E&M and Property Services, with the implementation of structure changes following a strategic review along with the merge with Property Services. These changes will bring fantastic opportunities for people to learn about different aspects of the work that Scottish Water does from maintaining our assets and buildings from a planned and reactive perspective.
What you’ll do:
The role itself is key in ensuring that materials requested by E&M and Property Services team are processed efficiently, from requesting a quote through to receipting the invoice, ensuring best value for our customer base by using the SW Supplier Frameworks that are in place. The role holder will contribute to the team objectives by sharing skills and knowledge, e.g. differing local and geographic practices and building relationships with both internal and external customers.
What you’ll need:
- We are looking for a candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to learning and developing new skills, with the ability to apply these effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- The successful applicant will have experience using Salesforce and FAB systems and be confident in managing a reactive workload while consistently adhering to agreed KPIs and SLAs.
- A customer-focused approach is essential, along with a genuine desire to deliver excellent customer service.
- The use of multiple systems is a key part of the process therefore user experience of Salesforce and FAB are essential for this role.
- You will be a strong team player with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, supported by excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Desirable skills include previous experience in a similar role, an understanding of procurement frameworks, and a proactive mindset with a drive to embrace and promote change within the organisation.
Looking out for you:
While the work we do is important, we know it’s not the only thing that matters. That’s why we make sure you have everything you need to find a good work-life balance. You’ll get plenty of time to recharge with 38 days of holiday every year (including public holidays). You can even buy five more if you need a little extra time. You can also take paid time off to volunteer in your community. When it comes to major life events we have family-friendly policies around adoption, maternity, and parental leave. And for the everyday? We embrace flexible working. For your future, there’s our pension, as well as life assurance. You will participate in a company bonus scheme and have access to SW Splash – handy rewards that can save you money on holidays, bills, and shopping.
The not-so-small print:
This role will be a Grade 4. If you’re new to Scottish Water, you’ll join us on a starting salary of £31,640. Performance-driven pay progression would then allow you to move through the range to a maximum of £36,460. If you’re interested in this role – or know someone else who might be - we’ll be accepting applications until midnight on 27th July 2026. The working hours of this role are 8am-3.30pm Monday-Friday with a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
Job offers at Scottish Water are conditional, and will be confirmed on completion of our pre-employment screening, e.g. referencing, criminal record checks, license checks, etc. These checks are conducted on our behalf by a third party. Don’t worry - we’ll ask your permission before starting these checks.
A few final things worth knowing… Research shows that some people avoid applying for jobs unless they can meet every single criteria. If you’re interested in this job, but don’t tick all the boxes, apply anyway! We hardly ever hire people who can do every part of a job from Day One. Everyone has a learning curve. So don’t rule yourself out! Let us know if there are any changes we can make to our recruitment process to help you perform at your best. Lots of our people have disabilities or neurodiverse conditions (including some of our recruiters!). We're also aware that some people might be experiencing temporary challenges because of life events, like menopause. We’re very used to making adjustments, so please don’t be afraid to ask.
As part of our commitment to developing a flourishing Scotland, it’s important that all our employees are Scottish taxpayers. If you join us, your home address will need to be in Scotland. If you don’t already live here, you'll need to commit to moving here within your first three months.
Please note, Scottish Water takes the safety, health and wellbeing of our employees, colleagues and customers very seriously and as such you may be subject to Drug & Alcohol testing in line with our policy.
Finally, candidates who haven’t submitted an application in the last 12 months will have their records removed from our recruitment database. You won’t need to do anything. Your data will be automatically deleted.
E&M Buyer in Stepps employer: Scottish Water
Scottish Water is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while delivering vital services to communities across Scotland. With a strong commitment to work-life balance, generous holiday allowances, and flexible working arrangements, you will thrive in a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. Join us to lead a dedicated team in shaping sustainable infrastructure, all while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land E&M Buyer in Stepps
✨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 Scottish Water.
✨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 E&M Buyer in Stepps
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 Scottish Water:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Scottish Water. 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 Scottish Water.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Water
✨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 Scottish Water!
✨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 Scottish Water. 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 Scottish Water's culture.