At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement operations, negotiate contracts, and ensure timely project delivery.
- Company: VVB specializes in sustainable engineering solutions across Rail, Highways, Power, and Tunnels.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional growth opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Join a company that values care, collaboration, and excellence while making a positive impact.
- Qualifications: Must have procurement qualifications, ERP proficiency, and experience in a Senior Buyer role.
- Other info: VVB is committed to diversity and equality in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Who we are. VVB delivers sustainable mechanical, electrical and telecommunication engineering solutions with expertise and long-standing experience across Rail, Highways, Power, and Tunnels. Combining robust processes with specialist agility. Our approach to projects always takes into account the best interests of our clients, our people and our environment. At VVB, our CORE values shape our behaviour and are apparent in everything we do. Not only are these values central to the entire VVB ethos, but each letter also represents a pillar of our company vision. C – Care & Collaboration O – Opportunity & Ownership R – Responsibility & Respect E – Excellence & End Result Focus Role Overview: As a Senior Buyer, you will lead procurement operations for your designated area, ensuring materials and services meet project requirements, stay within budget, and support timely project delivery. Working closely with Project Managers and other key stakeholders, you will be instrumental in maintaining the profitability of projects, negotiating competitive supplier contracts, and managing supply chain performance. Key Responsibilities: * Lead end-to-end procurement activities, from strategy formation to contract execution. * Conduct negotiations with suppliers to achieve the best possible pricing and contractual terms. * Ensure compliance with procurement processes and governance frameworks. * Develop and maintain market and category knowledge to inform procurement decisions. * Produce and manage procurement documentation, including tender documents and procurement plans. * Track and report savings in line with organizational guidelines. * Collaborate with Project Managers and other internal stakeholders to ensure alignment and manage supply chain performance. * Address delivery delays and coordinate feedback on incurred costs. * Ensure all contractual changes are accurately reflected in contracts and associated purchase orders. Person Specification: Technical Knowledge and Skills: * Essential: Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP Business One preferred), strong understanding of Contract Law, NEC contract experience, and advanced skills in MS Office. * Desired: Experience with JCT contracts. Qualifications: * Essential: Qualification in Procurement or equivalent; membership in the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. * Desired: UK Driver’s license. Competencies/Behaviours: * Commercially astute with strong negotiation and analytical skills. * Excellent communication and presentation skills; able to engage at all levels. * Flexible, able to adapt to meet project demands. Experience: * Essential: Previous experience in a Senior Buyer role within construction or infrastructure. * Desired: Experience working with an M&E contractor. What We Offer: – Competitive salary package. – Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. – A dynamic, collaborative work environment. VVB values the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all prospective and current employees with dignity regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnerships, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. All employees must demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm in promoting the principles of equality in employment and service delivery
Senior Buyer employer: VVB Engineering (UK) Ltd
Contact Detail:
VVB Engineering (UK) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with VVB's CORE values: Care & Collaboration, Opportunity & Ownership, Responsibility & Respect, Excellence & End Result Focus. Demonstrating how your personal values align with these during your interactions can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience with ERP systems, especially SAP Business One, as well as your understanding of Contract Law and NEC contracts. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully navigated procurement challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills by preparing a few case studies where you achieved significant savings or improved contract terms. This will demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the construction and infrastructure sectors, particularly those who have worked with M&E contractors. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the Senior Buyer position.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Values: Familiarize yourself with VVB's CORE values: Care & Collaboration, Opportunity & Ownership, Responsibility & Respect, Excellence & End Result Focus. Reflect these values in your application to show alignment with their ethos.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasize your previous experience as a Senior Buyer, particularly in construction or infrastructure. Provide specific examples of procurement operations you've led and how you achieved cost savings or improved supply chain performance.
Showcase Technical Skills: Make sure to mention your proficiency in ERP systems, especially SAP Business One, and your understanding of Contract Law. Highlight any experience with NEC or JCT contracts to strengthen your application.
Tailor Your Application: Customize your CV and cover letter to reflect the key responsibilities and person specification outlined in the job description. Use keywords from the listing to ensure your application stands out to recruiters.
How to prepare for a job interview at VVB Engineering (UK) Ltd
✨Understand VVB's CORE Values
Familiarize yourself with VVB's CORE values: Care & Collaboration, Opportunity & Ownership, Responsibility & Respect, and Excellence & End Result Focus. Be prepared to discuss how these values resonate with your own work ethic and experiences.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Highlight your previous experience in procurement, especially within construction or infrastructure. Be ready to provide specific examples of successful negotiations and how you managed supplier relationships to ensure project profitability.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Make sure to discuss your proficiency in ERP systems, particularly SAP Business One, and your understanding of Contract Law. If you have experience with NEC or JCT contracts, be sure to mention it as it aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Prepare for Behavioral Questions
Expect questions that assess your commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Prepare examples that demonstrate your analytical abilities and how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders in past projects.