At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement for wireless projects, sourcing and negotiating materials and services.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at United Infrastructure, focused on innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with a focus on health and safety.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in critical infrastructure while developing your skills in procurement.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills and ability to manage supplier relationships.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ 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.
Utility Infrastructure – Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure for the UK’s largest network owners and operators.
Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.
Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you.
Junior Buyer – Support the procurement process for wireless projects, including sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials and services at competitive prices while ensuring timely delivery to meet project schedules. This role is key to achieving cost efficiency, quality, and compliance across procurement activities and requires close collaboration with Delivery Managers, Quantity Surveyors, suppliers, and the Procurement & Supply Chain Manager.
Specific Duties
- Project Team Coordination - Work closely with Project Managers, Estimators, and Site Teams to ensure procurement activities align with project timelines, specifications, and quality standards.
- Purchase Orders - Raise and process purchase orders through the finance management system in line with company policies and ULC Finance requirements, ensuring timely issue to suppliers.
- Procurement Support - Support the Procurement & Supply Chain Manager in implementing cost-effective procurement strategies that align with company objectives and project requirements.
- Supplier Management - Assist in identifying, evaluating, and onboarding new suppliers while maintaining strong relationships with existing suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and value.
- Risk Management - Monitor and report risks relating to supply chain disruptions, material shortages, and supplier performance. Support the development of contingency plans to maintain project continuity.
- Inventory & Logistics - Coordinate the delivery and logistics of materials and equipment to telecoms sites, liaising with suppliers and logistics providers to minimise delays.
- Quality Assurance - Ensure procured materials meet company quality standards and project specifications. Support supplier audits and quality checks where required.
- Reporting & Documentation - Prepare procurement reports covering cost savings, delivery performance, and supplier metrics, while maintaining accurate procurement records.
Health & Safety Responsibilities
- Lead by example by working safely at all times.
- Take reasonable care of your own health and safety and that of others affected by your actions.
- Promote a positive approach to Health, Safety, and Environmental practices.
- Understand and support the implementation of all relevant health and safety policies and procedures.
Personal Skills
- Able to work independently and as part of a team.
- Strong prioritisation and time management skills.
- Ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
- Proactive, self-motivated, and solution-focused.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and manage supplier relationships.
Technical Skills & Core Competencies
- Good negotiation skills with the ability to support pricing and commercial discussions.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, including cost analysis and identifying savings opportunities.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
- Effective communication and relationship-building skills.
- High attention to detail, ensuring quality control and order accuracy.
- Understanding of construction materials, specifications, and quality standards.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, and the wider Microsoft Office suite.
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.
Junior Buyer in Warrington employer: United Living Group
United Infrastructure is an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture, where every team member plays a vital role in delivering innovative solutions for critical infrastructure projects. Located in Warrington, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth, offering opportunities to develop skills in procurement while working alongside experienced specialists in the utility and social infrastructure sectors. With a commitment to health and safety, as well as a focus on employee well-being, United Infrastructure stands out as a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior 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 United Living Group.
✨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 Junior 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 United Living Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to United Living Group. 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 Living Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Living Group
✨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 Living Group!
✨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 Living Group. 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 Living Group's culture.