Trainee Buyer

We've got a great opportunity for a Trainee Buyer to join our Category Procurement team. As Trainee Buyer, you'll support the successful delivery of United Utilities business needs by providing a professional commercial service, encompassing one or more of the core areas of Utilities procurement, contract law and negotiation and commercial negotiation. The service is to be undertaken in accordance with high professional standards and business principles in compliance with regulatory and company procedures and policies.

**Job Accountabilities**:

- To support the ongoing procurement of all competitively tendered, Utilities procurements across all commercial categories supporting the Commercial function in securing optimum value for money for UU.
- Engage with operational staff and suppliers to support the on-going delivery of contracts and framework agreements.
- Ensure contractual compliance and assist contractor performance throughout the contract period.
- To support compliance including but not limited to the Utilities Contracts Regulations 2016.
- Provide support and timely escalation to the Category Manager /Lead Buyer / Buyer.
- Ensure procurement compliance.
- Proactively support the management and mitigation of commercial risks.
- Provide general procurement advice and support throughout the procurement process.
- Ensure collaborative working across the commercial directorate.
- Work collaboratively within the Commercial Directorate, to ensure delivery of compliant procurement.
- Produce and maintain quality category data/dashboards.
- Support the development and maintenance of:

- Business need and opportunity analysis
- Market analysis
- Contract strategies
- Responsible for creation and quality assurance of sourcing documents
- Evaluation to award
- Implementation of contracts/framework agreements
- Maintain effective management of contracts/framework agreements

This list is not exhaustive and includes any other ad-hoc duties and responsibilities required from time to time.

**Knowledge and Skills**:

- Working towards CIPS qualification or relevant equivalent qualification
- Chartered Membership of a relevant institution (e.g. Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply)
- Some knowledge of category management processes, tools and methodologies used across the whole procurement life-cycle
- Ability to effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders
- Knowledge of Utilities Directive and contract law
- Experience of working collaboratively with the business to support commercial proposals

**Additional Information**:

- This is a hybrid working role offering a mix of site and home based working.

**We need fantastic people to enable us to deliver a great service to the public. We are committed to reaching and recruiting from every community and then supporting employees to achieve their full potential ensuring they feel valued and included, regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation or social background**

**Closing Date**:24/11/22