Senior Buyer

Role Purpose

The Senior Buyer is responsible for purchasing goods, materials, and services to meet the company's operational needs while considering cost, quality, and delivery. This role ensures the continuous supply of essential products and services, managing supplier relationships to optimize performance and achieve cost savings. The Senior Buyer will evaluate market trends, assess supplier performance, and negotiate contracts to ensure compliance with company policies and operational requirements, contributing to the smooth and efficient functioning of the organization.

DUTIES PREFORMED % of Time

25% Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Operations

• Purchase goods, materials, components or services in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets.

• Explore alternate sources for goods and materials.

• Assess tenders and quotations from potential suppliers.

• Undertake research on and evaluate existing and new suppliers.

• Prepare purchase orders in line with final negotiations and organizational requirements

20% Supplier Management & Relationship Building

• Assess and evaluate suppliers and undertake performance reviews.

• Ensure contract compliance and manage performance improvement activities.

• Ensure a professional and consistent approach is taken in all supplier relationships.

• Contact suppliers to resolve price, quality, delivery, or invoice issues.

20% Negotiation & Cost Optimization

• Negotiate contracts, improved prices and terms of business with suppliers.

• Review opportunities to make business savings utilizing negotiation and procurement best practice tools and methods.

• Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible.

20% Risk Management & Compliance

• Ensure continuous supply of required goods and materials

• Communicate supply problems that may impact business operations.

• Ensure compliance with company guidelines, policies, and procedures, including OJEU guidance.

15% Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Deliver briefs, updates, and reports as required.

• Develop innovative procurement processes.

• Improve operational efficiency and contribute to business performance.

• Work towards a strategy of continuous improvement.

WORK CONTACTS

Internal

• Procurement and Logistics Team

• Finance and Accounting Department

• Engineering and Project Management Teams

• Warehouse and Inventory Team

External

• Suppliers and Manufacturers

• Freight and Transportation Providers

• Customs Brokers and Regulatory Authorities

• External Auditors and Certification Bodies

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

Industry / Domain

• Construction

Necessary Knowledge and Experience

• Minimum of 5–8 years in procurement or purchasing roles.

• Understanding of procurement cycles, sourcing, and supplier selection methods.

• Knowledge of cost analysis, inventory management, and just-in-time purchasing principles.

• Knowledge of how to evaluate, assess, and maintain effective supplier relationships.

• Understanding of supplier performance management, negotiations, and conflict resolution.

• Strong understanding of negotiation techniques to secure better terms, prices, and conditions.

• Familiarity with contract terms, conditions, and legal requirements for procurement.

• Knowledge of competitor strategies and how to leverage market information for purchasing advantages.

• Understanding of corporate procurement policies, government regulations (such as OJEU), and ethical sourcing practices.

• Knowledge of supply chain dynamics and how to ensure a continuous supply of materials and products.

• Knowledge of pricing structures, profit margins, and the ability to assess cost-saving opportunities.

• Knowledge of risk factors related to procurement and supply chain disruptions.

Education and Certification Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.

• Relevant qualifications such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply), CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management), CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional is preferred.

Job Specific Technical Skills

• Skilled in negotiating favorable terms with suppliers, ensuring cost savings, optimal delivery schedules, and quality assurance.

• Proficient in using supply chain management tools to track inventory, ensure timely deliveries, and optimize stock levels.

• Ability to evaluate cost structures, create cost-effective procurement strategies, and maintain budget control.

• Skilled in managing inventory levels to meet operational needs without overstocking or understocking.

• Ability to conduct comprehensive market research, identify potential suppliers, and evaluate them for reliability and cost-effectiveness.

• Capable of developing and implementing sourcing strategies that align with business goals and deliver cost savings.

• Ability to ensure procurement activities comply with industry regulations and standards, including environmental and trade compliance.

• Strong at identifying procurement risks, assessing their impact, and developing strategies to mitigate potential disruptions.

• Ability to incorporate sustainable and ethical sourcing practices into procurement strategies.

• Strong analytical skills to assess vendor options and make informed purchasing decisions.