Buyer

Role Characteristics:

Hinkley Point C is the UK’s first new build nuclear power station in a generation that is critical to the UK NetZero targets.

All roles on the project require key behaviours which support the Zero Harm objective, a questioning attitude, and drive to uphold the standards of safety and quality required by this prestigious project. A committed strong work ethic is essential at all levels.

All candidates are expected to demonstrate their knowledge and experience where possible directly related to the criteria required for the role. It is acknowledged that previous Nuclear based experience will not always be possible, as such supporting with project research and how individual skills may be transferable will be important.

There are opportunities to put together strategic people plans within the nuclear sector, work on wider company people projects, deliver an excellent first class service to employees and ensure the administration and processes that engulf working life are implemented effectively and fairly

Summary of Role:
The Buyer will be responsible for managing the procurement of all materials, tools, plant, equipment and services required for the successful delivery of Dalkia nuclear construction projects. This role ensures timely, cost-effective, and compliant sourcing while supporting project schedules and quality standards and includes negotiation and order placement.

Accountabilities:

• Procure materials, tools, plant, equipment and services in line with project requirements and specifications.
• Ensure compliance with nuclear safety standards, regulatory requirements, and company procurement policies.
• Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, including negotiation of terms, contracts, and delivery schedules.
• Monitor supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and cost effectiveness.
• Collaborate with project engineers, planners, and site teams to anticipate and resolve procurement issues.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and reports for audit and compliance purposes.
• Support cost-saving initiatives and value engineering activities related to electrical procurement.

Key Deliverables:

Strategic responsibilities

• Implement procurement controls and project strategies.
• Liaise with other sectors/regions to identify strategic opportunities across regions and coordinate
• Manage preferred subcontractor and supplier lists.
• Support national strategy to maximise category spend
• Provide advice on complex procurement activities and negotiations.
• Manage project procurement, including attendance at meetings and accurate record-keeping.

Functional responsibilities

• Support project procurement objectives and Framework agreement compliance.
• Ensure order approval processes are adhered to.
• Conduct supply chain risk assessments before order awards.
• Monitor supplier/subcontractor assessments and implement action plans.
• Maintain accurate KPI’s for projects.
• Support QA audits and research cost-saving opportunities
• Supply chain onboarding

Operational responsibilities

• Timely procurement of materials, tools, plant, equipment and services to meet project schedules.
• Manage project procurement, including attendance at meetings and accurate record-keeping.
• Accurate purchase orders, delivery schedules, and status reports.
• Monitor financial performance
• Effective management of supplier performance metrics (on-time delivery, quality compliance, cost control).
• Manage procurement technical approval process.
• Maintain strong supply chain relationships and support local business development.
• Attend SMT meetings and report procurement progress.
• Lead procurement projects from initiation to completion.
• Ensure timely procurement of materials and services to meet programmes.
• Risk assessments and mitigation plans for supply chain and procurement challenges.

Minimum Qualifications/ Experience

• Proven experience as a Buyer or similar procurement role, ideally in MEP, construction or heavy industry/regulated industries.
• Understanding of MEP components, materials, and technical specifications.
• Knowledge of procurement processes, contract management, and supplier relationship management.
• Experience working within safety-critical or regulated environments, preferably nuclear, oil & gas, or utilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and organisational skills.
• Proficient in procurement systems and Microsoft Office suite.
• CCNSG / HSE Operative Test

Additional Qualifications/ Experience:

• Experience working on nuclear or high-hazard construction projects.
• Familiarity with nuclear industry standards).
• Knowledge of logistics, inventory management, and vendor qualification processes.
• Professional procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS) or willingness to achieve certification.
• Experience in value engineering, cost reduction initiatives, or strategic sourcing.
• Ability to travel to supplier sites as required.

Working Pattern of Attendance and Location(s):

• 9 day fortnight / 5 day working week
• Hinkey Point C / Bristol Aztec West

HPC Values attributed behaviours:   

• Demonstrates Humility through sharing success as a team.
• Demonstrates Positivity through always striving for solutions.
• Demonstrates Respect through valuing other points of view.
• Demonstrates Clarity through sharing information simply and concisely.
• Demonstrates Solidarity through adopting a “One Team” approach