Buyer

About Barhale

Who are Barhale?

Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:

Water
Transport
Built environment
EnergyWe operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.

Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide.

We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:

Tunnelling
MEICA
Temporary and permanent design
Steel-fabrication
Signs (design and fabrication)
Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE

Why join Barhale?

As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies.
Job security, long-term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes
A broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects and clients
Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success

Buyer

The Role

As a buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and ordering materials, services, and plant equipment essential for the delivery of our projects, in Water, Transport, Energy and the Built Environment. You will work collaboratively with the site project teams, regional support teams and fellow procurement professionals to deliver a best-in-class procurement service focused on timely cost-effective delivery of requirements.

This role requires an individual that thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to manage supplier relationships effectively and deliver cost effective procurement without compromising quality or compliance. You will be able to engage with stakeholders at all levels to identify and implement effective procurement activities that align with project timelines and budgets while supporting the company’s sustainable procurement objectives. 

Key Responsibilities

Buying Tasks

Procuring construction materials and related services across all operational sectors
Carrying out supplier selection, evaluating quotations, and negotiating prices and logistics
Proactively identifying market trends, product and industry developments and supply chain innovations through the engagement of external partners, leading as directed by the Senior Buyer on any specific commodity or category
Providing commercial assistance on the contracts you are procuring for
Liaising with sites and supply chain partners, developing relationships to ensure a planned “right-first-time” service is provided regarding safety, quality, programme, commercials, and overall best value
Working with and supporting internal business needs regarding commercial and product awareness at all stages of the construction process, ensuring that we jointly deliver major programme requirements
Ensuring continuous communication with other team members to review contract progress and address associated issues immediately
Maintaining full knowledge and understanding of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure a professional and auditable procurement contract is in placeAccountabilities

Operating within financial governance levels
Managing work priorities and maximising efficiencies
Supporting Trainee/Assistant Buyers and working together to support growth and development
Maintaining positive supplier relationships
Adherence to procurement proceduresAdministrative responsibilities

Maintenance and upkeep of order and supply chain records utilising the company’s purchase order system and procedures
Providing reports, data, and other material identified by the Senior Buyer relating to the department and whole business requirements, including KPIs
Submitting detailed analysis to regional buyers and site teams for approval

About you

Essential

Relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the Water Industry, Rail or construction/engineering industry
Experienced negotiator, with the ability to establish long-term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain
Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets
Confident communication skills regarding engaging with external and internal parties including a confident and professional telephone manner
Proficient in using Microsoft Office packages and in-house purchasing systems.
Ability to cope with a demanding fast-paced environment ensuring deadlines are met
Competent in making decisions using own initiative and work as part of a team
Great attention to detail regarding contractual obligations and the placement of ordersDesirable

CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS
Relevant degree or demonstrable equivalent experience
IT literate and proficient in the use of the Microsoft Office package
A full UK driving licenceCaring and investing in you

Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people.  Our values are our commitment to being a people-centric company.

As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.

From the moment you join us, your well-being and career aspirations will be supported by.

Competitive salary
Company Pension
Life Assurance
Private Medical
25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
8 hours volunteering
Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
Leadership & management training and coaching
Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
Continuous service awards