Buyer - Materials

MWH Treatment Limited; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement firm in the UK is seeking a Materials and Services Buyer to support their regional procurement team. This role involves sourcing materials, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery while aligning with company policies. Essential skills include strong communication, a customer-centric approach, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. CIPS qualification is desirable. The position offers hybrid working options.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and influencing skills.
• Customer-centric approach to procurement delivery.
• Self-starter with the confidence to represent the Procurement function independently.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers to understand procurement needs.
• Lead tender processes and place orders with suppliers.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and regulations.

Skills

Strong communication and influencing skills

Customer-centric approach

Self-starter

Commercially astute

Networking skills

Commitment to ethical procurement

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

CIPS qualification or working towards

Qualification in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management

Job description

Due to our increased workload, MWH Treatment are strengthening our Regional Procurement team to maintain high standards of governance, efficiency, and strategic alignment. To support this, we are recruiting a Materials and Services Buyer, based at our Hattersley Office, with hybrid working available.

The Materials and Services Buyer is responsible for delivering procurement activities across multiple projects within a region. This includes sourcing materials, negotiating terms, placing of orders, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services to support our projects. The role plays a critical part in cost control, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.

Job Summary

Reporting directly to the Regional Procurement Manager, this role will be instrumental in:

• Sourcing Materials and Services: Leading procurement activities for a number of projects ensuring best value, innovation, and cost efficiencies.
• Supporting Project Demands: Providing procurement support to meet increased workload and ensure timely, compliant sourcing.
• Enhancing Supplier Relationships: Building strong partnerships to ensure performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
• Driving Consistency: Aligning all procurement practices with company and client policies and procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and site teams to understand procurement needs.
• Support the development of project procurement strategies/plans aligned with business goals.
• Lead tender processes, including ITTs/RFQs and evaluations.
• Place orders with suppliers and expedite deliveries when required to meet project timelines.
• Analyse market trends and risks to inform sourcing decisions.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to establish commercial terms, service levels (including KPIs), and contractual conditions.
• Ensure compliance to Client & MWHT frameworks to mitigate risk and optimise value.
• Manage committed project costs to mitigate financial risk and minimise business exposure.
• Establish and maintain supplier relationships, resolving supply and service issues.
• Ensure supplier compliance with Health & Safety obligations.
• Address and resolve internal and external supply chain issues, acting as the primary escalation point.
• Ensure adherence to procurement policies, contracts, and regulations.
• Implement best practices and drive continuous process improvement.
• Promote sustainable procurement aligned with business values and ESG objectives.
• Maintain and optimise the P2P system, ensuring clean and accurate data.
• Support internal and external audits.
• Prepare regional level reports on procurement performance.
• Represent the department and organisation professionally in all interactions.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Share best practices, innovation and drive continuous improvement.
• Undertake additional duties, training, or working hours as reasonably required, consistent with the level of responsibility of this role.
• Proactively manage your own continuous professional development by engaging in external networking, conferences, associations, and training to stay current with industry trends and innovations.

Essential

• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across functions, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Customer-centric approach to procurement delivery.
• Self-starter with the confidence to represent the Procurement function independently.
• Commercially astute with a solid understanding of cost drivers and risk.
• Skilled in networking and exerting positive business influence.
• Committed to ethical procurement practices in line with the CIPS Ethical Policy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with a proven track record of effective use.
• Demonstrates and champions the company's core values and behaviours.

Desirable

• CIPS qualified or actively working towards certification.
• Qualification in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Economics, Procurement, or a related field.
• Developing knowledge of construction materials, logistics, and relevant regulatory standards.
• Familiarity with ISO standards, ESG compliance, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Experience in regulated industries such as utilities, construction, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, or food.