Job Description
Costain has 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 lead Subcontract Procurement activities on projects within the sector. The Senior Buyer – Subcontract role will be responsible for and can demonstrate:
* Delivering Subcontract Procurement (pre-contract) & Supply Chain Management (post-contract) across the sector, 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.
* Leading the subcontract procurement activities on the projects in full compliance with the How to Buy process, delivering predictable best‑in‑class outcomes that enable the project team to meet all key dates and milestones while maintaining high forecast accuracy. Tendering through an e‑tendering system with a total value approach to the selection of subcontractors.
* Assisting with ensuring a robust and structured supply chain exists to service the requirements of the projects and framework feeding into the sectoral and Group Strategic, Preferred and Approved Supply Chain segmentation model.
* Developing 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.
* Supporting and mentoring junior members of the Procurement and Supply Chain team.
* Supporting the drive towards Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), including but not limited to local Small to Medium‑sized Enterprise (SME) engagement, delivering social impact, and advancing Net Zero.
* Supporting the promotion of collaboration between the business and the supply chain to unlock value through innovation and best practice, following the principles of ISO 44001 and Project 13.
Essential – Knowledge, Skills and Experience
* Experience working in a similar role.
* Basic proficiency in procurement software and tools, and an understanding of supply chain management principles.
* Procurement skills relevant to the construction industry.
* Extensive knowledge of leading subcontract procurement activities and of the value the Procurement & Supply Chain function adds to our projects, communicating regularly to drive a learning culture.
* Effective communication and interpersonal skills to manage supplier relationships and collaborate with internal teams.
* 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.
* Proactive, flexible and results‑orientated.
* Adaptable to working in both team environments and working in isolation.
* Excellent Microsoft Office suite proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook & Teams).
Desirable
* Knowledge of Water Industry Procurement and Supply Chain operations.
* Experience working within a Matrix organisation, with abilities to influence at all levels.
* Working knowledge of procurement-based software, e.g. SourceDogg, eJAGGAER, Arriba sourcing or similar.
* Familiarity with NEC forms of contract.
* Proven ability to lead and mentor junior procurement staff.
* Previous knowledge of Frameworks projects and associated procurement practices.
Qualifications
Essential
* Full membership or working towards a Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualification (minimum level 5).
* Full UK Driving Licence.
Desirable
* 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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