Buyer

About Us

When you join WPD you become a part of our 6,500 plus strong team of professional, clerical and administrative staff looking after our extensive electricity distribution network, serving 7.8 million customers in the Midlands, South Wales and South West. You will work in areas as diverse as:

• Highly populated urban centres such as Birmingham, Bristol and Cardiff;
• Beautiful remote locations including the Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor and the Peak District.

You will become integral to a company offering many benefits, which is committed to investing in the latest technologies and working methods to improve service to customers.

We know that our people are at the heart of this success and work hard to create a purposeful working environment which everyone can be a part of.

Job Introduction

The Purchasing Team is responsible for the placement of contracts across all business activities of Western Power. The successful applicant will work within a professional team reporting to a Senior Buyer and will be individually responsible for a portfolio of contracts.

This role can be based in either Bristol or Castle Donington.  Please apply for one location only.

Main Responsibilities

Main duties of the role will include:

• Developing a strategy with the Contract Owner to deliver products and services that support the main business objectives
• Issuing and evaluating tenders, complying with all Purchasing policies and EU regulatory requirements
• Negotiating with Suppliers to obtain the most advantageous terms and conditions and value for money while ensuring optimum quality in contract performance
• Making recommendations to the contract owner and Senior Buyer in order to award contracts in line with Company policy.
• Facilitating regular contract review meetings with Suppliers and Contract Owners to manage the on-going contract management and address any issues arising
• Maintaining and updating the Contract Management software system in order to deliver quality management reports

The Ideal Candidate

You should have a minimum of 2 years Purchasing and Contract Management experience including knowledge of contractual documents and an understanding of the EU Procurement Directives.  You should also have strong negotiating, organisational and analytical skills and be able to communicate proficiently with key stakeholders at all levels.  You must have the ability to use your own initiative as well as working within a wider team.

In addition to having the relevant skills and experience, you will be qualified or working towards full membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS).  The successful candidate must have a full driving license and be prepared to travel throughout the Western Power areas.

* Candidates who do not currently hold the full CIPS membership will initially be appointed on a salary of £35,201