At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement processes and deliver tenders for construction and maintenance projects.
- Company: Join a leading utility company committed to green growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for career development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that powers 2.4 million homes while driving sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong understanding of commercial processes required.
SP Electricity North West manages and invests in the power network that supplies electricity to the 2.4m homes and businesses across the North West. Our 2,400 colleagues manage the 13,000km of overhead lines, 44,000km of underground cables and thousands of electricity substations to keep power flowing and supporting green growth. We’re one of six distribution network operators in the UK and are regulated by Ofgem. We’re proud that in December 2024 we were named Utility of the Year by Utility Week magazine who said we punched above our weight and used innovation to solve some of the industry’s most difficult challenges. Come and be part of our team and make a difference.
Now part of the Iberdrola and ScottishPower group, we’re collectively building smarter, greener electricity networks that will get Britain growing by investing in a better future, quicker.
A Fantastic Opportunity: Buyer (Procurement) – Initial 6-month contract - £600 per day Inside IR35
The Buyer role is responsible for delivering short‑term sourcing events and full end‑to‑end tenders within a defined category, with a particular focus on construction, maintenance and operational procurement. The role ensures the effective delivery of tenders, commercial interventions, supplier evaluations and contract renewals in line with business requirements and governance standards.
The role holder will work closely with operational teams to understand technical specifications, commercial requirements and evaluation criteria. They will be accountable for producing structured milestone plans for each procurement activity, ensuring compliance with internal governance, external regulations and procurement legislation.
The role requires regular engagement with managers across the business to gather requirements, validate specifications and support commercial decision‑making. The Buyer will also provide support to colleagues across the wider Commercial function, contributing to consistent procurement processes, commercial evaluations and contract management activities.
The successful candidate must, at the start of employment have permission to work in the UK without sponsorship. For this role there is also opportunity for hybrid working and occasional travel to meet with suppliers and key stakeholders.
What we’re looking for
- Experience and Knowledge
- Professional accreditation through CIPS or RICS or equivalent
- Experience delivering tenders within a complex commercial or regulated environment
- Strong understanding of end‑to‑end procurement processes, including sourcing, tendering, evaluation, award and contract mobilisation
- Experience working within construction and maintenance categories, frameworks or supply chains
- Proven experience delivering commercial evaluations, cost analysis and value‑for‑money assessments
- Demonstrated understanding of relevant procurement legislation and compliance requirements
- Track record of achieving strong commercial outcomes across tenders, negotiations and contract renewals
- Experience managing multiple procurement activities simultaneously in a fast‑paced environment
- High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail
- Full UK driving licence
Skills and Expertise
- Expertise in running tenders to achieve commercially robust outcomes aligned to specifications and service levels
- Experience conducting commercial and technical evaluations, including scoring, moderation and supplier assessment
- Knowledge of contract management principles, supplier performance monitoring and renewal processes
- Ability to work effectively with construction, maintenance and operational teams to understand requirements and risks
- Strong understanding of commercial risk, operational impact, economies of scale and whole‑life cost considerations
What we’re offering
- Hybrid Working
- Initial 6-month contract
Our Commitment to Inclusion
We’re proud to foster a workplace where everyone can thrive. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe that embracing our differences makes us stronger.
Procurement Buyer in Blackburn employer: SP Electricity North West
At SP Electricity North West, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that champions innovation and sustainability. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through opportunities for hybrid working and professional development within the procurement sector, all while contributing to the vital task of maintaining and enhancing the electricity network for 2.4 million homes and businesses in the North West. Join us and be part of a team that not only values your contributions but also supports your career aspirations in a rewarding and inclusive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Buyer in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference at SP Electricity North West.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨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 and engaged with our recruitment process. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Buyer in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in construction and maintenance categories. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of successful tenders or cost savings you've achieved. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at SP Electricity North West
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
Make sure you brush up on your end-to-end procurement processes. Understand sourcing, tendering, evaluation, and contract mobilisation inside out. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your expertise in delivering tenders.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with commercial evaluations and cost analysis. Bring examples of how you've achieved value-for-money assessments in past roles. This will show that you can deliver strong commercial outcomes, which is crucial for the Buyer role.
✨Engage with Technical Specifications
Since you'll be working closely with operational teams, it’s vital to understand technical specifications. Familiarise yourself with common terms and requirements in construction and maintenance procurement. This knowledge will help you communicate effectively during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
Highlight your numerical accuracy and attention to detail by discussing specific instances where these skills made a difference in your work. Whether it's managing multiple procurement activities or ensuring compliance with regulations, showing this trait can set you apart from other candidates.
