Buyer

About usSalary - 48089Work Type - HybridJob Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LPRole Type - PermanentEmployment Type - Full TimeWorking Hours - 37.0 Hours per WeekUnited Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution. These include:A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service, in addition to 8 bank holidaysA competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life coverUp to 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievementsA comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded schemeFlexible and hybrid workingThe roleAn exciting and rewarding career opportunity for a Buyer has arisen to support the successful delivery of United Utilities strategic procurements. As a Buyer, within the Strategic Procurement Team you will work closely with the Category Managers and Lead Buyers in supporting successful implementation of a large scale and complex procurements. You will work closely with the wider Commercial team, operational stakeholders and external stakeholders to procure and oversee goods, works and service agreements as well as influencing business change and improvements.You’ll be responsible for ensuring seamless collaboration and driving significant savings and benefits throughout the contract lifecycle. In joining us, you will have full exposure to the organisation, our major projects and our largest industry partners.Key accountabilitiesTo support the development of category plans and sourcing strategies for categories of spend across functional and organisation boundaries ensuring optimum value for money for UU.Engage with stakeholders to support the alignment of business strategy and policy to support the delivery of category plans.Ensure regulatory compliance including but not limited to the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016 and the Procurement Act 2023.Ensure contractual compliance and proactively manage supplier performance across a specific portfolio of Contracts / Agreements.Act as a subject matter expert.Manage conflicting business prioritiesProvide support and timely escalation to the Category ManagerEnsure commercial complianceProactively support the management and mitigation of commercial risksProvide commercial expertise and guidanceEnsure collaborative working across the Commercial, Engineering and Capital Delivery directorateSupport the development and maintenance of:Business need and opportunity analysisMarket analysisContract strategiesResponsible for creation and quality assurance of sourcing documentsEvaluation to awardImplementation of contracts/framework agreementsMaintain effective management of contracts/framework agreementSkills & experienceWorking knowledge of Regulated procurement and contract lawKnowledge of key category management processes, tools and methodologies used across the whole procurement life-cycleAbility to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholdersCommercial negotiation and resolution skillsRelevant experience in End to End ProcurementThis role may not be eligible for the visa sponsorshipOtherQualifications Essential QualificationsCIPS qualified or relevant equivalent qualification - relevant experienceDesirable QualificationsChartered Membership of a relevant institution (e.g. Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply)ComplianceDesirableChartered Membership of a relevant institution (e.g. Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply)Working knowledge of regulated procurement and contract lawThe TeamOur projects are designed to be environmentally and socially responsible and will offer you opportunities to learn and grow throughout the project cycle. As part of our team, you will benefit from a range of training and development programs, such as CIPS professional membership/chartered status, leadership coaching, professional accreditation and mentoring. We are here to support you in reaching your full potential and thriving in your career and beyond.The team has run the biggest and most strategic procurements in the last 4 yearsSmall team of 5Fast PacedDynamicBased in the office 3 days per week