Procurement Buyer - Projects

Water Technologies; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water technology firm in Birmingham is seeking an experienced procurement specialist to manage supplier relationships and optimize procurement processes. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in negotiations and supply chain management, with proven experience in technical procurement. This role includes a comprehensive benefits package featuring annual leave, private medical insurance, and numerous flexible working options.

Benefits

25 days annual leave

Flexible benefits, including Private Medical Insurance

Employee discounts and recognition programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years in capital projects procurement or technical procurement.
• Track record of complex negotiations with measurable cost savings.
• Understanding of engineering specifications required.

Responsibilities

• Analyse technical specifications to ensure procurement alignment.
• Conduct negotiations with suppliers for best terms and pricing.
• Manage purchase orders from requisition through delivery.

Skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

Education

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

Tools

Procurement software

ERP systems

Job description

Job Description

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.

Additional Information

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 bte 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, Veolia is committed to diversity and gives equal consideration to all applications, without discrimination.