Senior Buyer OCU Services · Borehamwood

OCU Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure engineering company in the UK seeks a Senior Buyer to manage procurement activities and supplier relationships. The role involves strategic sourcing, negotiation, and ensuring timely acquisition of goods and services. Candidates should have proven experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills. This position offers an opportunity to work with top clients in the energy and utilities sectors.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a buyer or procurement professional.
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles and strategic sourcing methodologies.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage procurement activities and supplier relationships.
• Lead the procurement process from requisition to purchase order.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier performance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Analytical mindset

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Degree in procurement or supply chain management

Tools

ERP systems

E-procurement platforms

Spend analytics tools

Job description

Role Overview

As a Senior Buyer, you will play a critical role in managing procurement activities and supplier relationships within the organisation. Leveraging your expertise in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supply chain management, you will lead procurement initiatives to optimize costs, mitigate risks, and ensure the timely acquisition of goods and services to support business operations and objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing:

• Input into the development and implementation of strategic sourcing strategies to identify cost-saving opportunities, streamline procurement processes, and enhance supplier performance.

Supplier Management:

• Manage local relationships with key suppliers, including contract manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, to ensure alignment with business objectives and performance expectations.
• Conduct local 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.
• Ensure the team has a laser focus on the accurate preparation of Purchase Orders and minimising the requirement to revisit.
• Develop and strengthen relationships with colleagues in our Accounts Payable team and strive to reduce the P2P administrative burden.
• 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 local 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.
• Collaborate in the development of 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

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


Company Information:

OCU leads the way in end-to-end infrastructure engineering in the utilities, digital, and energy markets, specialising in safely and efficiently delivering complex client requirements. Our breadth of capabilities and depth of operational capacity, paired with our cutting-edge technology, ensure that we are not just part of the market; we are leading it.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.