Procurement Buyer - Projects

Veolia | Water Tech; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Company car benefit

Enhanced pension scheme

Private Medical Insurance

Flexible benefits options

Job summary

A leading water technology company is seeking a Project Buyer to join their procurement team. This role focuses on strategic sourcing and supplier management for complex technical projects in Birmingham. The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of procurement experience, strong negotiation skills, and a bachelor's degree in Engineering or Supply Chain. You will coordinate procurement activities, conduct negotiations, and manage supplier relationships while ensuring timely delivery and compliance. The company offers a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in capital projects procurement.
• Proven track record in complex negotiations with cost savings.
• Strong technical background to understand engineering specifications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced negotiations with suppliers for optimal terms.
• Coordinate with cross-functional stakeholders for procurement.
• Manage and track purchase orders from requisition to delivery.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or related technical field

Tools

Procurement software

ERP systems

Job description

Location: Birmingham
Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Monday to Friday (37 hours per week)

Role Purpose

We are seeking a Project Buyer with strong technical knowledge and exceptional negotiation skills to join our procurement team. This role focuses on strategic sourcing and supplier management for complex technical projects. Coordinate procurement and expediting activities to ensure timely delivery of materials, equipment, and services for UK EPP projects while optimising cost, quality, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse technical specifications and collaborate with engineering teams to ensure procurement alignment
• Conduct advanced negotiations with suppliers to secure optimal terms, pricing, and delivery schedules
• Raise purchase orders and variations where required
• Raise, manage, and track purchase orders from requisition through to delivery and invoice reconciliation
• Coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders (engineering, site teams, commercial, logistics) to resolve procurement and delivery conflicts
• Drive cost reduction initiatives through strategic negotiations and supplier optimisation
• Control procurement documentation: RFQs, quotations, contracts, change orders, customs paperwork, and import/export compliance
• Expedite long‑lead and critical items to meet program milestones and mitigate schedule risk
• Maintain supplier performance records and lead corrective actions for late, non‑conforming, or under‑performing suppliers
• Manage supplier communications and escalation, including delivery forecasts, lead‑time confirmations, and resolution of supply issues
• Keep the project ERP/procurement system updated with accurate status, ETAs, receipts, and cost coding
• Prepare procurement reports and dashboards for project managers and senior stakeholders

Qualifications

Essential Skills and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related technical field
• Experience in capital projects procurement and expediting or technical procurement (construction, M&E, infrastructure) – minimum 3–5 years preferred
• Proven track record in complex negotiations with measurable cost savings on multi‑discipline projects
• Strong technical background with the ability to understand engineering specifications
• Experience with project management methodologies and procurement processes
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Advanced negotiation and communication skills
• Proficiency in procurement software and ERP systems
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication across technical and commercial teams
• Organised, detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple high‑priority items under tight deadlines
• UK regulatory and import/export awareness, including customs, Incoterms, and relevant H&S requirements

Personal Behaviours and Cultural Fit

• Proactive and decisive – anticipates issues and takes ownership to resolve them
• Collaborative team player – builds constructive supplier and internal relationships
• Resilient and calm under pressure with a pragmatic, solutions‑focused mindset
• High integrity and compliance‑minded – keeps accurate records and follows audit requirements
• Committed to continuous improvement and digital ways of working

Employee Benefits Package

We offer a comprehensive benefits package to support your well‑being, work‑life balance, and long‑term security. You’ll enjoy 25 days of annual leave to recharge, plus birthday leave to celebrate your special day. Our company car benefit provides you with the flexibility to travel in comfort, while our enhanced pension scheme ensures a strong foundation for your future.

We are partnered with a great benefits provider to offer you exclusive discounts and recognition programs. Maintain your eye health and stay protected with our eye care and flu vouchers. Take advantage of our well‑being services, including 24/7 access to virtual GP consultations, and refer a friend to be in with a chance of being rewarded for helping us grow our teams with talented individuals.

That’s not all… you also have the option to enrol in a range of flexible benefits, including Private Medical Insurance, Buy/Sell Annual Leave, Group Income Protection, Dental and Travel Insurance. You can also opt for Group Life Assurance and Critical Illness cover for both you and your partner, for added peace of mind. And lastly you can take advantage of Personal Computer, Car Leasing and Cycle to Work Schemes to further enhance your lifestyle.

Diversity & Inclusion

At Water Technologies UK, we’re proud to be known as an equal opportunities employer. We acknowledge that supporting diversity and engagement is not only the right thing to do, but also the right thing for our business. We know how important it is to be fully committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive place to work for every one of our colleagues. This commitment is embedded into our values and beliefs that our business is at its best when we embrace the full spectrum of humanity, regardless of what we look like, where we come from or who we love. So no matter their age, gender, gender expression, disability, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexuality or veteran status, every applicant who meets the minimum requirements will be considered fully.

As an inclusive company, we are committed to diversity and give equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.