Rubicon Consulting is currently recruiting for a Project Buyer on a permanent basis, located in Wolverhampton.

Rubicon Consulting is an inclusive employer, and we actively encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. However, due to the nature of our client's business, many of their projects and customers require security clearance.

For the below position, you must be a UK National and have not lived out of the UK for the last five years and must meet the eligibility to gain Security Clearance.

For further information or to discuss your eligibility for Security Clearance please get in touch.

Role Summary

The project buyer is responsible for the management of procurement and purchasing activities, including the management of suppliers within designated projects. Key member of the integrated team, updating project procurement plans on cost and delivery, and working closely with the project team to ensure successful project delivery. Identify cost saving initiatives to the right quality, negotiate favourable terms with suppliers and manage through the contract lifecycle. Must always represent the procurement department in a professional and ethical manner. This position requires a strong understanding of supply chain management, contract negotiation, and project management principles to ensure that procurement strategies support overall project goals and organisational objectives.

Responsibilities

• Work with Engineering to mutually agree appropriate available material specifications

and confirm that material will be sourced to a reasonable time and cost and highlight

where possible the material that can be purchased pre-order to secure delivery.

• Identify critical/safety related long lead items, determine and ensure sufficient early

supplier engagement to minimise downstream risks and recommend appropriate sub

contracting strategy with Procurement & Project Buyer Manager where appropriate.

• Manage subcontractor /supplier contract lifecycle, expediting with regular reviews with

the supply chain, updating and reports from the project procurement plan ensuring

delivery ‘Right First Time’, in full and to the agreed cost.

• Manages variations and change control with the subcontractor /supplier contracts in line with head contract and in agreement with the Projects and Commercial Manager.
• Work in a team environment with Projects and Quality Department in managing the supply chain, including management/close out of non-conformance reports.
• Must monitor and review the trending of technical queries (TQ’s) on a bi-weekly basis to verify reduction in TQ’s and report to Supply Chain Development Manager. Where

trend displays an upward move then report on reasoning.

• Part of the ‘Make v Buy’ Team, supporting the analysis of ‘Make v Buy’ costing data.
• Assess, manage and mitigate subcontractor /supplier risks that could contribute to supply chain disruptions.
• Regular reporting to the Project Manager on the performance of the subcontractors

and/or suppliers.

• Support, challenge, and advise all stakeholders, ensuring that the best commercial outcomes are delivered in line with the project.
• Work to harness innovation and add value to deliver a strong focus on customer service.
• Monitor procedural controls and adherence to policies with all colleagues in order to

deliver compliant service within risk parameters and benchmarking standards for

customers.

• Ensure that decisions and recommendations are based on data, benchmarking and relevant consultation.
• Foster strong supplier relationships that lead to long-term partnerships and

continuous improvement.

• Support to tenders as and when required, engaging with supply chain through early

supplier/partner engagement in a formal tendering process ensuring on time and high

quality responses for bid input.

• Work with wider procurement team to develop and execute Continuous Improvement activities.

Skills

• Knowledge of project life cycles, timelines, budgets, and how procurement integrates with overall project delivery.
• Industry-specific knowledge not necessarily required, but a good understand on materials, products, or services commonly procured in an Energy or Construction industry would be ideal.
• Familiarity with contract terms, conditions, and legal requirements for procurement, with the ability to negotiate favourable agreements.
• Experience in NEC3 / NEC4 form of contract ideal.
• Expertise in cost-saving measures such as strategic sourcing, demand management, and price negotiation.
• Competence in managing supplier relationships, including evaluating supplier performance, managing contracts, and mitigating risks.
• At least 3 to 5 years in a purchasing position managing suppliers, ideally within a project-based environment.
• Either BA Degree qualified and working towards MCIPS qualification or MCIPS qualified.
• IT Literate with a good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Strong communication skills both oral and written.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills at all levels, internal and external to the organisation.
• Understanding of Engineering Drawings and Technical knowledge of Metallurgical properties is ideal.

Our Company

Rubicon Consulting is a Talent management consultancy which helps you to optimise business performance and competitive advantage by choosing the right people first time!