At a Glance
- Tasks: Procure materials and services for highways projects while managing purchase orders.
- Company: Join a reputable Local Government organisation with a collaborative team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Fully onsite role in Leicestershire with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or procurement, strong communication, and organisational skills.
Type: Permanent or 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract
Salary or Hourly Rate: £28,605 per annum or £14.00 to £15.00 per hour
Location: Leicestershire - Fully Onsite
Sellick Partnership are currently recruiting for a Purchasing Technician (Buyer) to join a reputable Local Government organisation within their Highways team. This opportunity is available on either a permanent or 12-month fixed-term contract basis.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in purchasing, procurement or commercial support who is looking to develop their career within a busy operational environment. Working as part of a collaborative team, you will help ensure the timely procurement of materials, plant and services that support the successful delivery of highways maintenance and improvement programmes.
The responsibilities of the Purchasing Technician (Buyer) will be:
- Procure plant, materials and services to support highways projects and day to day operations.
- Raise and manage purchase orders while monitoring deliveries and coordinating plant hire and returns.
- Ensure purchasing activities comply with public sector procurement legislation and internal governance procedures.
- Support supplier and contract management, including monitoring supplier performance and maintaining effective working relationships.
- Process procurement activity through electronic procurement systems where required.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and prepare reports to support audits and management information.
- Act as a key point of contact for operational teams, suppliers and internal stakeholders, resolving procurement related enquiries.
- Assist with stock control and the management of plant assets and maintenance records.
- Analyse purchasing and resource data to support operational planning and service delivery.
- Contribute to improving purchasing processes and identifying efficiencies across the service.
The ideal candidate for the Purchasing Technician (Buyer) role will have:
- Experience within a purchasing, procurement, supply chain or commercial support environment.
- Previous experience within the highways, construction, engineering or public sector would be advantageous.
- Knowledge of procurement processes and an understanding of public sector purchasing regulations.
- Experience using financial or procurement systems such as Oracle or similar ERP systems.
- Strong administrative, organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the confidence to liaise with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Strong attention to detail with excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities.
How to apply for the Purchasing Technician (Buyer) role:
If you believe that you are well suited to this excellent opportunity of Purchasing Technician (Buyer), please apply directly or contact Tim Farnsworth at Sellick Partnership Derby Office for more information. CVs will be screened and sent over to the client for shortlisting, with successful applicants being contacted to arrange interviews as soon as possible.
Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.
Purchasing Technician (Buyer) employer: Sellick Partnership
At Sellick Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values community engagement and employee growth. As a Mobile Caretaker in Nottinghamshire, you'll enjoy the benefits of a company van, competitive pay, and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in local neighbourhoods while working alongside a dedicated housing team. We foster an inclusive environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to creating safe, clean, and well-managed communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Technician (Buyer)
✨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 Sellick Partnership.
✨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)
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 Sellick Partnership:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sellick Partnership. 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 Sellick Partnership.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sellick Partnership
✨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 Sellick Partnership!
✨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 Sellick Partnership. 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 Sellick Partnership's culture.
