At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for critical infrastructure projects and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a rapidly expanding company focused on innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to health and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on essential projects that shape communities and utilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face.
This role is focused within our Utility Infrastructure – Power Transmission & Distribution business area. Our Power Transmission & Distribution specialists design, build and maintain critical power infrastructure for the UK’s largest network owners and operators.
The Role
- Procurement of all packages, making procurement recommendations for all projects on value engineering opportunities and supply chain routes to market within a nominated division or business unit(s)
- Full cost management and reporting of sites
- Proactively manage operational and commercial day-to-day issues
- Actively direct specifications based on a full understanding of group deals
- Successfully support the work-winning function, integrating as an embedded member of the team
Health And Safety Responsibilities
- Set a good example to others by working safely
- Identify unsafe acts and report them to the site management team in line with your responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act
- Adhere to your Safety Responsibility Statement
- Take reasonable care of yourself and any other person who may be affected by your actions or omissions
- Adopt a positive attitude and cooperate with and assist the company in all aspects of Health, Safety
Key Job Tasks
- Support the Procurement Manager in delivering the objectives of the Procurement function
- Become the Procurement champion for a nominated division or business unit(s), taking ownership of all aspects of procurement for the division and its projects
- Liaise with all workstreams within the nominated division(s) or business unit(s), becoming an integral team member and adding value wherever possible
- Negotiate and place all material and plant orders for allocated sites, ensuring materials are delivered on time and within budget
- Conduct quotation analysis across packages and negotiate best value, presenting recommendations for approval where necessary
- Proactively make recommendations on specifications to incorporate group deals, better-performing products and value engineering opportunities
- Agree and maintain accurate procurement schedules with site operational and commercial teams, reporting monthly to the Procurement Manager
- Discuss and agree in principle with Project and Site Managers the most appropriate procurement methods for each site
- Proactively identify strategic procurement opportunities for the division and wider business
- Support the work-winning function by attending tender kick-off meetings, advising on procurement value engineering opportunities and negotiating and agreeing costs to be used in divisional bids
- Conduct basic material take-offs
- Challenge specifications based on group supply chain and third-party agreements
- Complete bi-annual or quarterly stock takes and advise on consignment and van stock opportunities
- Liaise with suppliers and sites regarding key information and any issues raised
- Attend monthly contract reviews to present monthly costs, highlight spend trends and communicate any relevant industry issues
- Identify new suppliers, initiatives and potential cost savings within the business
- Assist the Procurement Manager with strategic efficiencies
- Provide regular updates to the Procurement Manager
- Resolve invoice queries and maintain a full understanding of procurement and accounting systems
- Undertake a minimum of fortnightly site visits to build relationships, monitor progress and fluctuations affecting procurement schedules and highlight any issues
- Attend supplier review meetings and effectively manage at least one spend category
- Undertake general administration duties
- Support and mentor more junior members of the Procurement Team
Qualifications And Experience
- CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management)
- MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), or working towards it
- Strong knowledge of procurement laws and standards, particularly within regulated or high-risk environments
- Experience using procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, JDA, Coupa or similar
- Cost analysis, budget management and total cost of ownership experience
- Supplier relationship management and contract negotiation experience
- Market research and trend forecasting experience
- Compliance, risk management and procurement reporting experience
Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.
Senior Buyer in Alness employer: United Infrastructure Ltd
United Infrastructure is an excellent employer, offering a competitive salary and benefits package alongside ample career progression opportunities within a supportive and collaborative work environment. As a Major Works Supervisor, you will play a vital role in delivering impactful projects that enhance homes and communities, while benefiting from ongoing training and professional development to further your career in the dynamic infrastructure sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Alness
✨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 United Infrastructure Ltd.
✨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 Alness
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 United Infrastructure Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to United Infrastructure Ltd. 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 United Infrastructure Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Infrastructure Ltd
✨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 United Infrastructure Ltd!
✨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 United Infrastructure Ltd. 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 United Infrastructure Ltd's culture.
