Buyer

Buyer - Water sector
Location: London
Reports to: Senior Buyer
Role Purpose
The Buyer will support the effective delivery of the procurement function, establishing, maintaining and improving purchasing procedures in line with internal policies and wider business objectives.
The role will involve supporting pre-qualifications, tenders and live projects, managing supplier and subcontractor enquiries, assisting with negotiations and ensuring all procurement activity follows the correct governance and approval processes.
Key Responsibilities
Provide procurement input for pre-qualifications, tenders and live projects as required.
Compile and issue subcontractor and material enquiries for assessment by tender and project teams.
Support the Senior Buyer and Procurement Manager throughout the tender settlement process.
Attend meetings with key tenderers where required.
Assist with the preparation of commercial proposals for tender submissions, including discounts and fixed-price allowances.
Liaise with procurement and site management teams regarding subcontractor and material requirements.
Assist in developing procurement strategies for key work packages.
Agree critical procurement dates and maintain procurement schedules.
Maintain accurate document management, filing and storage systems.
Deliver procurement activities in accordance with the agreed project procurement strategy.
Support the onboarding and approval of new suppliers.
Manage allocated procurement packages through to the production of subcontract review documentation and order number requests.
Review order number requests to ensure the correct procurement process has been followed.
Complete or confirm relevant supplier checks, including:
oFinancial checks
oHealth and safety assessments
oOrganisational and supervisory competency
oPrevious performance ratings
oSupplier database status
Contribute to the effective and sustainable management of the supply chain.
Review supplier questionnaires and ensure performance assessments are completed for allocated projects.
Carry out internal governance checks and ensure the correct use of procurement documents, requisition forms and order templates.
Assist with commercial and contractual negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
Maintain an up-to-date understanding of business objectives, procurement policies and health, safety, environmental, quality and sustainability procedures.
Key Relationships
Internal
Head of Procurement
Procurement Manager
Senior Buyers and procurement colleagues
Project management teams
Estimating and work-winning teams
Commercial teams
Health, safety, environmental and quality teams
Other office-based personnel
External
Suppliers
Subcontractors
Professional bodies
Existing and prospective clients
Financial Authority
In accordance with the applicable business or framework levels of authority.
Qualifications and Experience
Hold, or be actively working towards, a CIPS qualification.
Previous experience within a procurement, purchasing or supply-chain environment would be advantageous.
Experience supporting construction, civil engineering or infrastructure projects would be beneficial.
An understanding of subcontractor and material procurement processes is desirable.
Knowledge of supplier onboarding, governance and compliance checks would be advantageous.
Key Skills and Competencies
Analytical thinking and problem-solving
Information gathering and evaluation
Initiative and a proactive approach
Planning and organisation
Commercial awareness
Negotiation skills
Accuracy and attention to detail
Ability to work at pace and meet deadlines
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Enthusiasm, dedication and pride in delivering high-quality work
Development Opportunities
The role will provide opportunities to:
Develop a detailed understanding of the organisation's culture, procedures and commercial objectives.
Build strong relationships across the supplier and subcontractor network.
Develop connections with project, commercial, estimating and operational teams.
Take ownership of increasingly complex procurement packages and assignments.
This job description is not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may be required to undertake additional duties appropriate to the role.