Senior Buyer

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face. Our company is split into two business areas: Utility Infrastructure – Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK’s largest network owners and operators. Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance. Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you. Job Title Senior Buyer Location Darlington Supply Chain Manager Who are we? United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face. Our company is split into two business areas: Utility Infrastructure Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure for the UK’s largest network owners and operators. Social Infrastructure Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit and refurbishment through to maintenance. Equal Opportunities Statement At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you. This role is focused within our Utility Infrastructure – Power Transmission & Distribution business area. Our Power Transmission & Distribution specialists design, build and maintain critical power infrastructure for the UK’s largest network owners and operators. The Role Key Results And Accountabilities Procurement of all packages, making procurement recommendations for all projects on value engineering opportunities and supply chain routes to market within a nominated division or business unit(s) Full cost management and reporting of sites Proactively manage operational and commercial day-to-day issues Actively direct specifications based on a full understanding of group deals Successfully support the work-winning function, integrating as an embedded member of the team Health And Safety Responsibilities Set a good example to others by working safely Identify unsafe acts and report them to the site management team in line with your responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act Adhere to your Safety Responsibility Statement Take reasonable care of yourself and any other person who may be affected by your actions or omissions Adopt a positive attitude and cooperate with and assist the company in all aspects of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Key Job Tasks Support the Procurement Manager in delivering the objectives of the Procurement function Become the Procurement champion for a nominated division or business unit(s), taking ownership of all aspects of procurement for the division and its projects Liaise with all workstreams within the nominated division(s) or business unit(s), becoming an integral team member and adding value wherever possible Negotiate and place all material and plant orders for allocated sites, ensuring materials are delivered on time and within budget Conduct quotation analysis across packages and negotiate best value, presenting recommendations for approval where necessary Proactively make recommendations on specifications to incorporate group deals, better-performing products and value engineering opportunities Agree and maintain accurate procurement schedules with site operational and commercial teams, reporting monthly to the Procurement Manager Discuss and agree in principle with Project and Site Managers the most appropriate procurement methods for each site Proactively identify strategic procurement opportunities for the division and wider business Support the work-winning function by attending tender kick-off meetings, advising on procurement value engineering opportunities and negotiating and agreeing costs to be used in divisional bids Conduct basic material take-offs Challenge specifications based on group supply chain and third-party agreements Complete bi-annual or quarterly stock takes and advise on consignment and van stock opportunities Liaise with suppliers and sites regarding key information and any issues raised Attend monthly contract reviews to present monthly costs, highlight spend trends and communicate any relevant industry issues Identify new suppliers, initiatives and potential cost savings within the business Assist the Procurement Manager with strategic efficiencies Provide regular updates to the Procurement Manager Resolve invoice queries and maintain a full understanding of procurement and accounting systems Undertake a minimum of fortnightly site visits to build relationships, monitor progress and fluctuations affecting procurement schedules and highlight any issues Attend supplier review meetings and effectively manage at least one spend category Undertake general administration duties Support and mentor more junior members of the Procurement Team Qualifications And Experience CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), or working towards it Strong knowledge of procurement laws and standards, particularly within regulated or high-risk environments Experience using procurement systems such as SAP, Oracle, JDA, Coupa or similar Cost analysis, budget management and total cost of ownership experience Supplier relationship management and contract negotiation experience Market research and trend forecasting experience Compliance, risk management and procurement reporting experience Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.