We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Buyer to join our dynamic commercial team. This role will be responsible for the strategic and tactical procurement of materials, equipment, with a significant focus on the integration of renewable energy solutions relevant to electric vehicle (EV) depot infrastructure. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of the construction market and the renewable energy sector with any related software experience an advantage, excellent negotiation skills, and a proven track record of achieving cost savings and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality goods and services.
Responsibilities:
Procurement Strategy & Planning:
* Collaborate with sales and project teams (construction managers, engineers, EV infrastructure specialists) to understand project requirements for depot construction, including charging infrastructure and renewable energy integration, and develop comprehensive procurement plans aligned with project timelines and budgets.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of procurement strategies that optimise cost-effectiveness, quality, and efficiency within the construction and renewable energy sectors.
* Conduct market research and analysis to identify potential suppliers, assess market trends, and understand pricing fluctuations in relevant commodities and services within construction (e.g., site preparation, building materials, electrical infrastructure) and renewable energy (e.g., solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers, cabling, grid connection equipment).
* Identify and evaluate potential risks and opportunities within the supply chain relevant to depot construction and renewable energy integration.
Supplier Management:
* Identify, pre-qualify, and evaluate potential suppliers for construction materials, renewable energy components (specifically for EV charging), and related services, ensuring they meet quality, technical, financial, and ethical standards.
* Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers in both the construction and EV-related renewable energy markets.
* Monitor supplier performance, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and proactively address any issues related to quality, delivery, or service, particularly concerning the integration of EV charging infrastructure.
* Conduct regular supplier performance reviews and implement improvement plans as necessary.
Sourcing & Negotiation:
* Prepare and issue Requests for Quotation (RFQs), Requests for Proposal (RFPs), and tender documents for depot construction and renewable energy related goods and services, adhering to relevant regulations and specific requirements for EV charging infrastructure.
* Lead the bid evaluation process, analyse supplier proposals, and conduct thorough negotiations to secure the most favourable terms and conditions, including pricing, payment terms, delivery schedules, and warranties relevant to depot development.
* Develop negotiation strategies to achieve cost savings, improve value for money, and mitigate potential risks in both construction and EV-related renewable energy procurement.
* Ensure all procurement activities comply with company policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.
Contract Management:
* Working with the legal and commercial teams draft, review, and execute purchase orders and contracts for materials, renewable energy equipment (including EV chargers and associated infrastructure), and services, ensuring accuracy and adherence to legal and commercial requirements ideally with specific understanding of electrical and infrastructure elements).
Project Support:
* Support the development team in relation to procurement-related queries from project teams
* Expedite orders and deliveries to ensure materials and equipment, including critical EV charging components, are available on time to meet project schedules.
* Collaborate with logistics teams to ensure efficient receipt, inspection, and storage of purchased goods, paying close attention to the handling and storage requirements of EV charging equipment.
* Provide procurement support during the pre-construction, construction, and commissioning phases including the integration of renewable energy sources for charging.
Sustainability & EV Focus:
* Promote sustainable procurement practices within both construction and EV-related renewable energy supply chains, considering relevant environmental regulations and initiatives related to electric vehicles and renewable energy.
* Evaluate suppliers based on their environmental and social responsibility performance, as well as their expertise in sustainable solutions for EV infrastructure.
* Identify and source environmentally friendly and sustainable materials and technologies relevant to depot construction and renewable energy integration.
Qualifications & Experience:
* Minimum of 3-7 years of progressive experience in a buying or procurement role, with significant experience within the construction industry and a strong understanding of the renewable energy market, with specific knowledge of EV charging infrastructure and related technologies.
* Proven experience in sourcing and negotiating contracts for construction materials, equipment, and services, with direct experience procuring electrical infrastructure and ideally EV charging hardware and software.
* Familiarity with renewable energy technologies, components, and the specific procurement challenges within this sector, with a focus on how these integrate with EV charging solutions (e.g., solar PV for charging, battery storage for load balancing).
* Excellent negotiation, communication (both written and verbal), and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively interact with stakeholders, including those specialising in EV infrastructure.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail relevant to the complexities of depot development.
* Proficiency in procurement software/ERP systems and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
* Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
* MCIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) accreditation or working towards it is highly desirable.
* Knowledge of relevant regulations and standards related to construction, renewable energy, and specifically electric vehicle charging infrastructure.