Senior Buyer

Role Overview

We're seeking experienced Senior Buyers from the Construction or Utilities sectors to join our team in Stockport. In this pivotal role, you’ll take the lead on procurement activities, driving strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management across the organisation. Using your expertise in negotiation and supply chain management, you'll spearhead initiatives to reduce costs, manage risk, and ensure the timely and efficient procurement of goods and services that align with our business goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing:

• Develop and implement strategic sourcing strategies to identify cost-saving opportunities, streamline procurement processes, and enhance supplier performance.

• Conduct market research, supplier assessments, and benchmarking to identify potential suppliers, assess their capabilities, and negotiate favourable terms and conditions.

Supplier Management:

• Manage relationships with key suppliers, including contract manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, to ensure alignment with business objectives and performance expectations.

• Conduct supplier evaluations, performance reviews, and audits to monitor supplier performance, address issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Procurement Process:

• Lead the procurement process from requisition to purchase order issuance, ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures, and procurement regulations.

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including department heads, project managers, and finance teams, to gather procurement requirements, assess demand forecasts, and develop procurement plans.

Negotiation and Contract Management:

• Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and service level agreements with suppliers to achieve cost savings, mitigate risks, and secure favourable terms and conditions.

• Review and analyse contract terms, conditions, and specifications to ensure compliance with business requirements, legal standards, and regulatory obligations.

Supplier Diversity and Compliance:

• Promote supplier diversity initiatives and ensure compliance with diversity policies and regulations in supplier selection and contracting processes.

• Monitor supplier compliance with contractual obligations, quality standards, and ethical practices, and take corrective actions as necessary to address non-compliance issues.

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess risks associated with supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, and supplier performance issues, and develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize exposure and ensure business continuity.

• Implement contingency plans, alternative sourcing strategies, and supply chain resilience measures to mitigate risks and ensure the availability of critical goods and services.

Cost Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyse procurement data, spending patterns, and cost drivers to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process optimization, and efficiency improvements.

• Prepare procurement reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate key procurement metrics, performance indicators, and savings achievements to senior management and stakeholders.

Skills and Experience

• Proven experience as a buyer or procurement professional, with a track record of successfully managing procurement activities and supplier relationships.
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, strategic sourcing methodologies, and contract negotiation techniques, with expertise in procurement processes and procedures.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and internal customers.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to analyse procurement data, conduct cost-benefit analysis, and make data-driven decisions to optimize procurement outcomes.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in procurement software and tools, such as ERP systems, e-procurement platforms, and spend analytics tools, is desirable.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification in procurement, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is essential.
• Professional accreditation or membership with relevant procurement organizations (e.g., CIPS) is advantageous.

What We Value

We value our commitment to each other, summed up in our five values, we all sign up to these… We care about safety. We lead with integrity. We strive to be better every day. We make a positive impact. We deliver to grow. We are one company united.

Our Aim & Vision at OCU

To be the UK's leading energy transition and utilities contractor.

We are committed to leading the way in utilities and energy transition contracting, our mission is to innovate and deliver sustainability. At OCU, our passion for addressing complex challenges brings new standards of growth in our people and capabilities.