Overview
Costain have been appointed by United Utilities as one of 7 partners to the Enterprise, delivering £5.5bn of projects in the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) between 2025 – 2030, and AMP 9 (2030 – 2035). Our scope is to provide project management, design, construction and commissioning services on design and build schemes throughout the North West and Cumbria region covered by United Utilities. Projects vary in value, covering both infrastructure and non-infrastructure assets on water and wastewater sites with wider Enterprise partners. This role is hybrid with a requirement to attend office at Aviator Way, Manchester, 3 days per week and also project sites. At Costain, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.
Responsibilities
* The role will report to the Procurement and Supply Chain Manager and will support Subcontract Procurement activities on projects within the sector. The Buyer – Subcontract role will be responsible for and can demonstrate:
* Supporting delivery of Subcontract Procurement (pre-contract) & Supply Chain Management (post-contract) across the sector. This will include collaborating seamlessly with stakeholders across multiple functions under our One Team, One Costain vision.
* Supporting the completion of procurement strategy documents including managing updates throughout the project and ongoing reporting of procurement progress on projects.
* Supporting subcontract procurement activities on the projects fully complying with How to Buy process, delivering predictable best-in-class outcomes which enable the project team to meet all key dates and milestones, whilst delivering high forecast accuracy. Tendering through an e-tendering system with a total value approach to selection of subcontractor.
* Develop strong relationships with key internal stakeholders to democratise the procurement process, our strategic approach and governance, unlocking Value for Money across our portfolio of work.
* Support and mentor junior members of the Procurement and Supply Chain team.
* Support the drive towards environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), including but not limited to local Small to Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) engagement, delivering Social Impact, as well as Net Zero.
Essential – Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
* Previous experience in procurement, preferably within the civil engineering or construction industry.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills to manage supplier relationships and collaborate with internal teams.
* Knowledge of subcontract procurement activities and the value the Procurement & Supply Chain function add to our projects and to communicate regularly throughout the function to drive a learning culture.
* Strong organisational skills to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
* Excellent analytical skills relating to numerical and clarifications assessments.
* A clear and visible enthusiasm for driving improvement and best practice
* Experience of collaborative working
* Ability to evaluate and understand research and identify relevant and valuable information.
* High attention to detail to ensure accuracy in procurement processes and documentation.
* Proactive flexible and results orientated
* Adaptable at working in both team environment and working in isolation
* Excellent Microsoft Office suite proficiency (Word, Excel PowerPoint, Outlook & Teams)
Desirable
* Ability to work on multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
* Knowledge of Industry Procurement and Supply Chain operations.
* Working knowledge of procurement-based software, e.g. SourceDogg, eJAGGAER, Arriba sourcing or similar
* Ability to lead and mentor junior procurement staff.
* Knowledge of sustainable procurement practices and green supply chain management.
Qualifications
* Full member or working towards the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply
* Full UK Driving Licence
Desirable Qualifications
* Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
* Other accredited certifications in procurement or supply chain management.
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