Senior Buyer | UK Fusion Energy | STEP Fusion Programme in Gainsborough

£44,290 + Bonus + Outstanding Defined Benefit Pension

Hybrid Working | Minimum 2 Days Per Week On Site

UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) is delivering STEP, the programme established to create the world's first prototype fusion power plant.

Bringing together government, industry, engineering and world-leading technical expertise, STEP is one of the most ambitious programmes currently being developed in the UK and will require an equally ambitious supply chain to support it.

As the programme continues to grow, UKFE is now looking to strengthen its procurement capability with an experienced Senior Buyer who understands engineering.

This is an opportunity for someone who has built their procurement career around technically complex products, equipment, components or engineering services and now wants to apply that experience within a programme of genuine national significance.

What matters is that you're a good, experienced engineering procurement professional who understands suppliers, technical requirements, commercial negotiation and what it takes to successfully procure within a complex engineering environment.

Working as part of UKFE's Commercial Function, you'll take responsibility for complex procurement and sourcing activity supporting the development of the STEP programme.

This is far more than a transactional buying role.

You'll work closely with engineering, technical and programme colleagues, translating complex requirements into effective sourcing strategies and identifying suppliers capable of delivering against demanding technical, commercial and programme requirements.

You'll be involved throughout the procurement lifecycle, from understanding an initial requirement and developing the appropriate sourcing approach through to supplier engagement, evaluation, negotiation and contract award.

You'll also have the opportunity to influence how UKFE develops its supplier base and procurement capability as the programme grows.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading complex procurement and sourcing activities within an engineering environment
• Working closely with engineers and technical stakeholders to understand requirements and develop appropriate procurement strategies
• Identifying, evaluating and engaging specialist engineering and technical suppliers
• Developing sourcing and category strategies
• Leading supplier negotiations around cost, quality, delivery, risk and commercial terms
• Supporting supplier selection and procurement decisions
• Building effective relationships with key suppliers and internal stakeholders
• Identifying and managing procurement and supply chain risk
• Supporting the development of longer-term supplier and partnership strategies
• Working within UKFE's procurement governance and assurance framework
• Developing your knowledge of Procurement Act 2023 requirements, with appropriate training and support provided

The most important thing we're looking for is strong procurement experience gained within engineering, manufacturing or another technically complex environment.

You might currently be working as a Senior Buyer, Strategic Buyer, Project Buyer, Category Buyer, Commodity Buyer, Procurement Lead or Procurement Manager.

Your experience could have been developed within advanced engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, defence, automotive, energy, industrial technology or another technically demanding supply chain.

The specific sector matters less than the procurement environment you've experienced.

You'll understand what it means to buy technically complex products

Contact Will Taylor at Hays in Lincoln to discuss the role in more detail.

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