At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of materials and services for construction projects, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Join Winshall, a leader in building electric substations across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on sustainability and compliance in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while developing your skills in procurement and supplier management.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or buying, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of construction materials.
Overview
Here at Winshall we are seeking a Buyer/Procurement Officer to join our team at our office in Talbot Green, CF72.
We build electric substations with projects based over the UK.
The role is to manage the procurement of materials, plant, equipment, and subcontract services for construction projects, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and timely delivery while supporting project teams and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Purchasing
- Source and purchase construction materials, plant, and services in accordance with project requirements.
- Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and delivery schedules to achieve best value.
- Raise purchase orders and ensure compliance with company procurement procedures.
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve delivery or quality issues.
- Maintain approved supplier databases.
- Supplier & Contract Management
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Conduct supplier reviews and performance assessments.
- Support framework agreements and preferred supplier arrangements.
- Ensure suppliers comply with contractual, quality, and health & safety requirements.
- Cost Control & Commercial Support
- Work closely with Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers to identify procurement opportunities and cost savings.
- Analyse market trends and material price fluctuations.
- Prepare procurement reports and cost comparison analyses.
- Assist with budget management and forecasting.
- Project Support
- Coordinate procurement schedules to meet project programmes.
- Ensure materials and services are available when required on site.
- Liaise with site teams regarding delivery schedules and requirements.
- Manage urgent procurement requests and supply chain issues.
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and UK legislation.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation.
- Support sustainability and ethical sourcing initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with environmental and health & safety standards.
Skills & Experience
- Experience in procurement, purchasing, or buying within the construction industry would be an advantage.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Knowledge of construction materials, plant, and subcontract procurement.
- Good commercial awareness and cost management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft products and procurement/ERP systems.
- Strong communication and organisational skills
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer / Procurement Officer
✨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 Winshall.
✨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 Buyer / Procurement Officer
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 Winshall:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Winshall. 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 Winshall.
How to prepare for a job interview at Winshall
✨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 Winshall!
✨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 Winshall. 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 Winshall's culture.
