Buyer - Materials

MWH Treatment Limited; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement company is seeking a Materials and Services Buyer based in Preston, England, to manage procurement for multiple projects. The ideal candidate should have strong skills in communication and negotiation, along with a background in business or supply chain management. Responsibilities include sourcing materials, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery to support project demands.

Qualifications

• Essential communication and influencing skills.
• Self-starter with confidence to represent Procurement independently.
• Skilled in networking and exerting positive business influence.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for projects ensuring best value.
• Collaborate with project managers to understand procurement needs.
• Ensure compliance to contracts and regulations.

Skills

Communication and influencing skills

Customer-centric approach

Commercial awareness

Networking skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Qualification in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or related field

CIPS qualified or working towards certification

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 aMaterials and Services Buyer, based at our HattersleyOffice , withhybrid workingavailable.

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 theRegional 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

Sourcing Materials and Services

• 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.

Supply Chain Management

• 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.

Process Management & Improvement

• 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.

Performance, Reporting & Representation

• 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.

Qualifications

Essential 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.