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- Tasks: Join us as a Purchasing Officer, managing supplier relationships and ensuring quality goods are procured.
- Company: Van Elle is the UK's largest independent ground engineering contractor with 40 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days holiday, pension scheme, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team, drive business improvements, and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualification or studying towards it preferred; experience in purchasing within construction is a plus.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term maternity cover role with a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Purchasing Officer – Maternity Cover (Fixed Term)
We have exciting opportunity for a Purchasing Officer to join the UK’s largest and most diverse geotechnical and ground engineering contractor.
What you\’ll be doing:
- Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets
- Support the purchasing function and other relevant departments and communicate any supply problems which may impact on business operations
- Set targets, monitor delivery against these, action and report to the Procurement Manager
- Act as an interface between suppliers and other relevant departments on purchasing processes and new projects and activities
- Monitor and advise on any issues which present risk or opportunity to the organisation
- Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers
- Provide analysis on costs, new and existing and review cost reduction activities
- Prepare reports and updates as and when required
- Work closely with others in the procurement function and review opportunities for continuous improvement and business improvements
- Adhere to any health, safety and environmental policies and procedures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of self, staff and visitors
- Negotiate contracts, improve prices and terms of business with suppliers and review opportunities to make business savings utilising negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods
- Prepare and raise purchase orders and order schedules
- Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and keep up good communications
Who we\’re looking for
- Engages interest and participation of others and has a collaborative approach to working together
- Proactively contributes to the team to identify and deliver business improvement activities
- Demonstrates integrity, openness and honesty in all dealings
- Able to build and maintain effective and productive relationships with staff, stakeholders and suppliers
- Good communicator, with strong negotiation, interpersonal and influencing skills
- Analytical, numerically astute with strong demonstrated problem solving abilities
- Able to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and achieve set targets
- Commercial and financial awareness with a full understanding of how failure impacts the production, manufacture and customer order fulfilment
- Able to work well under pressure and handle emergency and stressful situations
- Keen attention to detail and accuracy
- Use of the company’s various software packages such as Word, Excel and EVision
Qualifications and Experience Levels:
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) or similar qualification or studying towards CIPS qualification would be beneficial
- Previous experience of working in a purchasing team preferably within a manufacturing, Concrete or construction environment
- Experience in concrete & steel project buying.
- Good knowledge of purchasing, negotiation, commercial understanding and cost breakdown
- Experience of working closely with suppliers
- Able to add value, reduce costs and input to business improvements
Other Requirements:
- Eligible to work and live in the UK.
- Flexibility to travel in the UK.
- A full driving licence, that is valid in the UK (desirable)
What you’ll get in return:
- Competitive salary depending on experience.
- Hours of work are 07.30am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
- 25 days holiday plus bank/public holidays.
- Fixed Term position
- Benefits include access to Company pension, bonus scheme and Healthcare Cash Plan with family option.
- Onsite Training Centre offers ongoing training and development opportunities.
- Access to our 24-hour confidential employee support line.
About Us
Over the past 40 years, Van Elle has grown to become the UK’s largest independent ground engineering contractor in the UK. Van Elle’s unrivalled range of engineering techniques and design services enables our expert engineering teams to develop technically excellent and cost-effective solutions across a wide number of sectors, from housing, construction to rail.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this type of role. The list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this type of role.
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Purchasing Officer employer: Van Elle Limited
Contact Detail:
Van Elle Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management, especially within the construction and manufacturing sectors. This knowledge will help you engage in informed discussions during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to staying updated.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the purchasing field, particularly those who have experience in concrete and steel project buying. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated contracts or improved supplier relationships in past roles. Having concrete examples ready will showcase your skills and make you a more compelling candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Van Elle as a company, including their projects and values. Understanding their operations and culture will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how you can contribute to their goals as a Purchasing Officer.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing, negotiation, and supplier management. Use specific examples from previous roles that demonstrate your ability to meet cost, quality, and delivery targets.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the purchasing function and how your skills align with the requirements of the role. Mention your analytical abilities and experience in cost reduction activities.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications such as CIPS or are studying towards it, make sure to mention this prominently. Also, include any relevant training or certifications that relate to procurement and supply chain management.
Showcase Soft Skills: In your application, emphasise your communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully built relationships with suppliers and collaborated with teams to achieve business improvements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Van Elle Limited
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about the company’s history, values, and recent projects. Understanding their position in the geotechnical and ground engineering sector will help you tailor your responses and show genuine interest.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your teamwork and problem-solving skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing past experiences related to purchasing and supplier management.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a key part of the Purchasing Officer role, be ready to discuss your previous experiences in negotiating contracts or improving terms with suppliers. Highlight specific examples where you achieved cost savings or improved supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you analyse market trends and competitor strategies. You might be asked to provide insights on cost reduction activities or how you would approach a specific purchasing challenge, so think through your analytical processes beforehand.
