Senior Buyer

IPS-Integrated Project Services, LLC; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in biotech and pharmaceutical solutions is seeking a Senior Buyer for their EMEA Team in Birmingham. The role involves managing the procurement process, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with established procedures. Ideal candidates will have at least 5 years of experience and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in project procurement.
• Knowledge of trade contracts and equipment procurement.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end procurement cycle for assigned packages.
• Conduct detailed commercial evaluations of supplier proposals.
• Ensure timely receipt of goods or services through order confirmation.

Skills

Project procurement

Negotiation

Analytical proficiency

IT literacy

Effective communication

Education

MCIPS qualification (desirable)

Tools

MS Office

ERP systems

Job description

At IPS, we apply our knowledge, skills, and passion to make a difference in the lives of people, solving complex challenges related to life sciences. We are looking for a dedicated Senior Buyer to join our EMEA Team.

The Senior Buyer will report directly to the Head of Procurement UK/EMEA Lead Procurement.

The Senior Buyer is responsible for the end-to-end management of the procurement cycle for their assigned packages in accordance with project-specific requirements. This includes pre-order procurement activities and post-order award management. Assigned packages will involve a blend of the following IPS work streams:

1. Capital equipment (process, mechanical, electrical, automation, instrumentation, etc.)
2. Construction trade contracts
3. Professional services contracts
4. Office replacement site indirect requirements

Key Skills

• Experience in the end-to-end procurement process
• Ability to work at pace within a project-based environment
• Experience working in a matrix environment as part of a cross-functional project team
• Ability to deal with time-dependent requirements
• Self-motivated, organized, and an effective problem solver
• Sound commercial acumen and ability to negotiate both commercial agreements and contractual terms & conditions
• Sound analytical proficiency with a solid understanding of commercial and contract risk
• IT literacy is essential, with strong experience in MS Office and ERP systems
• Effective communicator with proven ability to manage internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, following established processes and procedures

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Represent the procurement department to the wider IPS team and ensure adherence to procurement procedures
• Act as a key interface for client procurement on assigned projects
• Provide procurement support and advice to the IPS team and clients
• Support project initiation and development of procurement execution plans
• Manage the tender process from receipt of scope through bid evaluation and recommendation to award
• Conduct detailed commercial evaluations of supplier proposals
• Prepare and submit recommendation packs for approval
• Prepare and issue purchase order/contract packs
• Conduct project reporting for internal and external stakeholders
• Ensure timely receipt of goods or services through order confirmation and expediting
• Manage change orders, invoicing, and order closeout processes
• Maintain supplier records and request QA documents
• Provide market updates and research new vendors as needed
• Evaluate existing suppliers periodically

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in project procurement
• Knowledge of trade contracts and equipment procurement
• MCIPS qualification or working towards it (desirable)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English
• Willingness to travel periodically

About Us

IPS, a Berkshire Hathaway Company, is a global leader in biotech and pharmaceutical industry solutions, offering consultancy, engineering, project controls, construction management, and compliance services. With over 3,000 professionals across 45 offices in 17 countries, we are committed to innovation and excellence.

We are an equal opportunity employer and consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected statuses.

Note: We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms unless a valid agreement is in place.

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