Senior Buyer

Colas USA; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Colas Rail as a Procurement professional, where you'll manage supply chains and subcontractor relationships to deliver effective transport solutions. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, you'll play a key role in transforming rail infrastructure. We offer competitive salaries, a supportive culture, and a commitment to inclusivity.

Benefits

26 days Annual Leave

Industry leading Life Assurance

Healthcare Cash Plan

Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme

Pension Scheme

Eye Care Vouchers

Long Service Award

Season Ticket Loan

Occupational Health Service

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience in Construction / Civil Engineering sector.
• Ability to control and monitor budgets.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Drive value from the supply chain through effective selection and management.
• Lead subcontract procurement and develop package procurement strategies.
• Communicate project requirements effectively to the supply chain.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Education

GCSE English and Maths at grade A-C or above

MCIPS or equivalent

ONC/HNC/HND/Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Procurement software

Job description

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At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success. At Colas Rail you'll be at home. You'll be welcomed into an inclusive team where there's a role for every talent - and a close-knit, familial culture. You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.

This is true because...

• We value everyone as part of the same team.
• We treat everyone as equals - and everyone is approachable, from the CEO down.
• We put you in control of your career to lead and grow in any way you want.
• We have a culture of care, from safe working environments to diversity and inclusion.
• We're renowned for innovation, adopting new ideas, and daring to be different.
• We are building a more sustainable future and our projects impact infrastructure for generations.

About Us

Step into the world of Colas Rail, where a century of expertise merges with a daring spirit to shape the future of rail infrastructure.

At Colas Rail, we deliver transport solutions for sustainable mobility. We are a leading rail infrastructure business with on track plant and freight capabilities. As a subsidiary of the Colas Group, we are part of over a hundred years' experience in delivering major innovations across our sector. Every day, thousands of trains run on tracks built, designed, or maintained by Colas Rail.

Leading by our values

Our Care, Share and Dare values are at the heart of everything we do. These values feed into our main strategies and accompany us daily in realising our ambitions.

We care for our employees' well-being and safety, fostering a culture of inclusivity and support.

We share a passion for excellence, celebrating achievements and nurturing talent.

We dare to push boundaries, embracing challenges and driving innovation in every endeavour.

Even if you don't meet every requirement, please don't rule yourself out, we still encourage you to apply if your skills, values, and experience align to the role.

Purpose of the Role

To provide our delivery teams with a professional materials, plant and service supply. This will also involve taking the primary responsibility for placement of subcontract orders and communicating effectively internally across the business, with external suppliers and other bodies as directed by the Procurement Manager and Alliance Management Team

Main Responsibilities

• To drive value from the supply chain through effective supply chain selection, segmentation, relationship management and development, and robust performance management
• To ensure an effective supply chain structure is in place for their area, with clear ownership of key subcontractor relationships, whilst ensuring a consistent approach across the Business Unit.
• Implement the Supply Chain Strategy and deliver in line with the Midland Metro Alliance Success Factors.
• Provide input into subcontractor selection and the development of project tender lists and then lead the supply chain involvement
• Where required, support and / or lead subcontract procurement and develop package procurement strategies.
• Prepare tender enquiries and send out for pricing in accordance with the project Procurement Schedules to meet the project programme
• Lead the Procurement element for any Tenders, contributing to pre-start and coordination meetings
• Draft and prepare contract documentation using standard Colas Rail templates
• Effectively communicate project requirements to the supply chain through a variety of communication channels
• Continual identification of any Procurement related risks and opportunities, whether at Programme of Project level and reporting them onto the ARM Risk Software system
• Ordering of construction materials, plant and subcontract services across Colas Rail and the Midland Metro Alliancewhen required
• Work with stakeholders, at all levels, to understand internal and external requirements
• Ongoing development and running of the supplier relationship management process in conjunction with other members of the Procurement Team
• Develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels within the organisation to ensure that procurement is seen as a valued contributor to the success of the business
• Drive a culture of constant improvement; identify and implement initiatives in order in increase business-wide effectiveness and efficiency
• Attend Project Meeting / Progress Reviews as and when required / requested by the Project teams Organisation and management of individual daily workload
• Data reporting as and requested by the Procurement ManagerWork with a focus on Continuous Improvement and ensure suppliers deliver on time, cost and quality in line with the project requirements
• As you will expect the organisation may change from time to time and you will be expected to meet the operational requirements
• Any other reasonable duties as required from time to time
  
  

Person Specification

Knowledge and experience

• Minimum of three years’ experience within Construction / Civil Engineering sector working at senior level within a large multi business unit or project environment,
• Ability to demonstrate attention to detail with regard to contractual obligations and the placement of orders
• Knowledge of best practice supply chain management tools
• Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets
• Finely tuned communication skills with regard to engaging with external and internal parties

Skills/Qualifications

• Evidence of a sound education which should include English and Maths GCSE at grade A-C or above, or equivalent
  MCIPS or equivalent is desirable, including ‘working towards’
• Industry-related qualifications are desirable, and could include:
• Other professional qualification
• ONC/HNC/HND/Degree
• IT literate and proficient in the use of all Microsoft Office packages and Procurement software
• Strong people skills with the ability to liaise with all levels of personnel
• A full UK driving licence is desirable as travelling to site may be required

Personal Qualities

• To demonstrate a proactive work ethic
• To ensure high levels of accuracy and information assurance
• Ensuring confidentiality of financial and operational information relating to MMA and the Supply Chain
• To act professionally in all work environments and in all interactions with stakeholders
• To work effectively within a team, sharing best practice, while also having the ability to make decisions in a fast moving environment
• Ability to be flexible and evolve due to the ever-changing nature of the Construction / Civil Engineering industry
• To have a passion and take a pride in delivering true best value
• Honesty and high standard of Ethics in line with CIPS guidelines

What We Offer

Competitive Salary
26 days Annual Leave
Industry leading Life Assurance
Healthcare Cash Plan
Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
Pension Scheme
Eye Care Vouchers
Long Service Award
Season Ticket Loan
Occupational Health Service

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment whete everyone feels valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail.

We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process.

We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements.

Join us in making a positive impact! Apply and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.

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