Procurement Buyer - Projects in Birmingham

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse technical specifications and collaborate with engineering teams to ensure procurement alignment.
• Conduct advanced negotiations with suppliers to secure optimal terms, pricing, and delivery schedules.
• Raise purchase orders and variations where required.
• Manage and track purchase orders from requisition through to delivery and invoice reconciliation.
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders (engineering, site teams, commercial, logistics) to resolve procurement and delivery conflicts.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through strategic negotiations and supplier optimisation.
• Control procurement documentation: RFQs, quotations, contracts, change orders, customs paperwork, and import/export compliance.
• Expedite long-lead and critical items to meet program milestones and mitigate schedule risk.
• Maintain supplier performance records and lead corrective actions for late, non-conforming, or under-performing suppliers.
• Manage supplier communications and escalation, including delivery forecasts, lead-time confirmations, and resolution of supply issues.
• Keep the project ERP/procurement system updated with accurate status, ETAs, receipts, and cost coding.
• Prepare procurement reports and dashboards for project managers and senior stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related technical field.
• Experience in capital projects procurement and expediting or technical procurement (construction, M&E, infrastructure)—minimum 3–5 years preferred.
• Proven track record in complex negotiations with measurable cost savings on multi-discipline projects.
• Strong technical background with the ability to understand engineering specifications.
• Experience with project management methodologies and procurement processes.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced negotiation and communication skills.
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication across technical and commercial teams.
• Organised, detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple high-priority items under tight deadlines.
• UK regulatory and import/export awareness, including customs, Incoterms, and relevant H&S requirements.

Personal Behaviours and Cultural Fit

• Proactive and decisive—anticipates issues and takes ownership to resolve them.
• Collaborative team player—builds constructive supplier and internal relationships.
• Resilient and calm under pressure with a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset.
• High integrity and compliance-minded—keeps accurate records and follows audit requirements.
• Committed to continuous improvement and digital ways of working.

Employee Benefits Package

• 25 days of annual leave plus birthday leave.
• Company car benefit.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Exclusive discounts and recognition programs.
• Eye care and flu vouchers.
• 24/7 access to virtual GP consultations.
• Flexible benefits, including Private Medical Insurance, Buy/Sell Annual Leave, Group Income Protection, Dental and Travel Insurance.
• Group Life Assurance and Critical Illness cover for you and your partner.
• Personal Computer, Car Leasing, and Cycle to Work Schemes.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Water Technologies UK, we’re proud to be known as an equal opportunities employer. We acknowledge that supporting diversity and engagement is not only the right thing to do, but also the right thing for our business. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace for every one of our colleagues.