VIE – Local Plant Buyer – H/F

• United Kingdom, East Midlands, Loughborough

We are looking for someone to improve the Purchase process in the area and to better influence spend decisions. Today, commercial decisions on a wide range of spend within the manufacturing sites are often made by people with no Commercial or Procurement background. The key areas of focus will be on cost control and risk reduction. That’s why we need you! By joining us, you will have the opportunity to influence the way that procurement is carried out within the organisation. This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large multinational company in which you will have a large degree of individual freedom and responsibility!

The role is ideal for someone with an interest in a Purchasing or Commercial career. Someone with the right skills and attitude can certainly make a positive contribution to our organisation by directly influencing decision making at site level.

Is this job for you?

The main role

You will be the primary Procurement contact on site, advising and assisting teams within the manufacturing site as part of your role you will assist with:

• Procuring a range of items, goods and services not currently covered by the Procurement Team.
• Negotiating price and terms.
• Drafting agreements and reviewing other commercial documents.
• Focusing on key cost reduction activities.
• Liaising with teams within the plant & attending project meetings.
• Liaising with the Capex Buyer to collaborate on or take lead on Capex projects.
• Develop the local category management within the indirect spend portfolio.
• Delivering an excellent service focused on Saint-Gobain’s key priorities within sustainability, safety & cost.
• You will be in regular face-to-face, and Teams contact with the Capex Buyer for East Leake.

A plus for this role

Because no two days are the same, we require a flexible and pragmatic attitude:

• You can switch well between different subjects, are optimistic, a real go-getter and go for the best result.
• You enjoy working as part of a team but can also work well in a concentrated manner on a complex contract.
• After a while, with good results, you can work from home 1 or 2 days a week.

On the East Leake Campus:

• Fresh fruit is waiting for you every week.
• A number of existing VIEs are also based out of the East Leake campus.
• You will attend quarterly Procurement Department meetings providing an opportunity to meet the wider team.
• Access to Saint-Gobain’s learning Platform.
• Bus Stop at the Campus entrance with regular buses from Loughborough and Nottingham.

This is a 12-month mission, non-extendable.

We are looking for someone who not only meets the technical requirements but also brings a positive and impactful presence to our team. If you possess these qualities, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our mission to make the world a better home:

• Master’s degree in business administration, Procurement, Engineering or equivalent.
• Good numerical and analytical skills with the ability to assimilate information.
• Proactive and solution-oriented.
• Adaptability and flexibility: capability of switching between different subjects and priorities with ease. Your ability to remain pragmatic and maintain a positive attitude in changing environments is crucial.
• Collaborative and Team-Oriented.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Organised and detail-oriented.
• Customer-Centric Approach.

A team ready to welcome you

The UK & Ireland Procurement team is 31 strong, two thirds of whom are based out of the UK head office of Saint-Gobain which is located adjacent to the East Leake manufacturing site.

Steps to join us

• First contact by email once you apply.
• If we want to move forward with you, you will have a first interview with our HR Talent Acquisition Team in France (on Teams).
• Then, you will have 1-2 interviews with the local team including one with colleagues from the manufacturing site at East Leake (on Teams).
• If you’re selected, you will have an Onboarding Day at the Tour Saint-Gobain before your departure.

A little more about us

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and solutions for the construction, mobility and industrial markets. Saint-Gobain has more than 167,000 employees of over 100 nationalities.

BRITISH GYPSUM

Much of Britain is built with British Gypsum and we have been mining gypsum for more than 150 years. Our UKAS-accredited Building Test Centre is the best of its kind in Europe, with extensive fire, acoustic and structural system test facilities.

SGIS, British Gypsum employs 1,300 people across our six SGIS / British Gypsum manufacturing sites as well as five mines, our collective brands are part of the worldwide Saint-Gobain group. With a diverse and open culture, we’re proud to be recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer again in 2024.

Where we are

The East Leake site is located between the cities of Derby, Leicester and Nottingham and initially accommodation will be provided in Nottingham close to the river Trent. Nottingham is most famous as the home of Robin Hood.

A university town, Nottingham has a thriving nightlife with a range of music venues, theatres and large arena for ice skating, Ice hockey, events and music concerts. Nottingham is a great place to live. Its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and diverse culture make it an ideal city for both students and residents. The city offers a perfect blend of modern amenities and historical charm, with its stunning architecture and bustling markets. Whether you're exploring the many parks or enjoying the lively nightlife, there's always something exciting to do….

To make sure nothing is forgotten

Some information to catch candidates’ attention

You will be working within the main manufacturing facility at British Gypsum, East Leake. Being located in the plant, you will be able to form relationships and develop working practices to influence how money is spent. As well as working with the team within the manufacturing site, you will also be part of the Procurement team based in Saint-Gobain UK & Ireland Head Office on the East Leake campus.

Benefits in joining us

• Support for the first month of accommodation and transportation.
• Round trip booking (+visa fees and needed luggage allowance).
• Health and social protection.
• Expand your international network.
• Learn from Professionals from different backgrounds with decades of experience within Procurement.