About The Company 

We are a leading innovative and sustainable provider of mechanical and electrical engineering solutions. We offer full design, installation and construction services from conception to completion using the latest technology and software, with offices across three continents and a client base that spreads over fourteen sectors.

Since Designer Group was established in 1992, we have reached many significant international milestones that have attributed to our global presence and success. Having completed more than 800 projects, we are a confident and energetic business with strong foundations.

Whilst we maybe a fairly new entrant to the data center market, we certainly have a dedicated, ambitious team, recognised by clients for outstanding commitment to quality and delivery.

A transparent, values lead business that invests heavily in our people, always going the extra mile to deliver.

Our Values

Our success is founded upon a set of open, honest values that focus on our people, our clients and their goals.

Safe, Trust, Respect, Challenge and Deliver

Our values are who we are, what we stand for, and how we behave. We ask our people to embrace these behaviours and adopt this approach in the way they go about their work, every day. Our values are the foundation for our competitive intentions. They guide our decision making, shape our goals and underpin the execution of our strategy and vision. We promise to be a value led business where you can build a long and rewarding career and our behaviour reflects this.

The Role 

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a bright, dynamic and driven, Senior Buyer to work within Designer Group’s UK and newly formed Data Centre business, supporting the delivery of the overall business 2025 growth strategy.

The role is permanent on a full-time basis, working from our office based in Watford, there may be a requirement for occasional travel to our European projects.

The Senior Buyer will have ideally worked within construction, specifically Mechanical and Electrical services and have international buying experience.

The successful candidate will have proven experience of supporting a business during a significant growth period, whilst ensuring current processes and procedures are fit for purpose and developed accordingly to support both the UK and Datacentre business. Reporting to the Head of Procurement and working within a small procurement whilst ensuring strong relationships with the project teams and supply chain.

Role & Responsibilities 

• Manage and drive our site procurement strategy trackers for the projects assigned.
• Manage the procurement business process.
• Track and report on market conditions and rebates.
• Provide feedback to the estimating team where required.
• Manage preferred supplier list and update KPI’s.
• Collate accurate information to enable the issue of the monthly Procurement report to our Directors.
• Better buy against the targets set with in our project CVRs (cost value report).
• Communicate on lessons learnt (both positive and negative aspects) on projects and in the day to day activity within the business.
• Carry out material management audits on site where required.
• Ensure all orders (Materials and Plant/Sub-contract) are place in a timely manner in line with the dates detailed within the Procurement trackers for projects.
• Source materials and negotiate best price with Suppliers, taking into account any rebate agreements in place and whether the DG agreed preferential terms cover these materials).
• Input orders onto the IT system (Redsky) and issue to relevant suppliers and site teams.
• Expediate goods and materials.
• Update the materials database and discount database.
• Promote efficient and professional impression of the business externally.
• Match and clear invoices for payment if required.
• Keep procurement trackers up to date.
• Cascade all new projects effectively to our supply chain partners.
• Update the database with pricing and discounts.
• Manage meetings with company approve suppliers.
• Send supplier pre-qualifications to new suppliers and ensure these are approved by the relevant team members for the DC business. (UK business uses Constructionline to manage)
• Expedite documentation, invoices and information from the supply chain.
• Expedite and chase overdue materials.
• Input accurate orders into the company systems.
• Control documentation for supplier contracts.
• Generally assist in the smooth running of the Procurement department.
• Communicate and liaise with site to establish best buying practices.

Knowledge/Qualifications and Experience

• 5 years experience working as a Buyer or similar role in the construction/M&E industry
• 3 years experience working as a Buyer for overseas purchasing/M&E industry
• Proficient in Microsoft Office – Word, Excel to at least intermediate standard.

The successful person will……

• Commitment
  • Must be able to take full accountability for their role, actions, judgements and decisions.
  • Must be passionate about work, committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
• Planning and Organisation
  • Able to delegate effectively, Able to manage and develop assistant buyers/buyers.
  • Must be organised and prioritise own work to deliver on time through managing time effectively.
• Communicating and Influencing
  • Must be able to use a range of communication skills and adapt these as necessary.
  • Use facts and data to influence an outcome.
  • Collaborative and proactive

Equal Opportunities

Designer Group is an equal ​opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.