Forterra Building Products Ltd
Capital Buyer - Northampton Head Office
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Capital Buyer - Northampton Head Office
Capital Buyer
We are currently looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our Procurement team in the position of Capital Buyer based at our Northampton Head Office.
This position will lead and deliver procurement activity for major capital projects and the annual capital expenditure (capex) pipeline across the Forterra business. The role will ensure that all capital equipment, plant, and services—including the annual mobile plant replacement and renewals programme—are procured at best value and quality, while ensuring supply chain security and compliance with business, environmental, and regulatory requirements. The Capital Buyer will operate both tactically and strategically, supporting the delivery of a best-in-class, continuously improving procurement service. The role will work across all areas of the business, including key stakeholders Senior Management Team, Central Engineering, Forterra Plants, Product Management and Sustainability.
Your duties would include but not limited to the following:
Capital Procurement Function
- Lead the procurement of goods, services, and works for major capital projects and the annual capex pipeline.
- Develop and implement fit-for-purpose procurement processes and policies for capital expenditure.
- Identification, assessment, and mitigation of commercial, supply chain, and contractual risks in capital projects.
- Incorporate sustainability, environmental, and social governance (ESG) criteria into supplier selection and contract terms for capital projects.
- Working with project teams to identify value engineering opportunities and cost-saving initiatives during project planning and execution.
- Report on capital procurement performance, savings, supplier performance, and project delivery against budget and schedule.
- Lead or participate in post-project reviews and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement in capital procurement processes.
- Support the company’s net zero and decarbonisation initiatives through capital procurement.
- Provide mentoring and support for other team members.
- Deputise for the Head of Procurement as required.
Project & Programme Delivery
- Manage the end-to-end procurement process for major capital projects, from requirements definition to contract award and mobilisation.
- Oversee the annual mobile plant replacement and renewals programme, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
- Support project teams in supplier selection, negotiation, and contract execution.
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Contract Drafting & Management
- Draft, negotiate, and manage contracts, service level agreements, and framework agreements for capital projects and plant renewals.
- Ensure robust contract management, including performance monitoring, compliance, and risk mitigation.
- Maintain accurate contract records and supplier pricing files.
Stakeholder Management
- Engage with cross-functional stakeholders to establish requirements, identify opportunities, and promote best practice.
- Provide a customer-focused procurement service to project managers, engineering, and operations teams.
Supplier Management
- Identify, pre-qualify, and introduce new suppliers for capital projects and plant.
- Build strong supplier relationships and manage supplier performance.
- Monitor market trends and cost drivers relevant to capital procurement.
About You:
- Proven ability to engage, influence, and manage relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including project managers, engineering teams, finance, suppliers, and senior leadership, to ensure alignment of procurement activity with business objectives.
- Strong commercial acumen and/or a business-related qualification.
- Logical and analytical approach, with strong numerical skills.
- Experienced in capital procurement, contract drafting, and project delivery.
- Self-motivated and results oriented.
- Proven proficiency in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
The role holder is expected:
- Comply with all aspects of the Forterra Compliance Policy
- Ensure that all the business/operations are performed in accordance with instructions and procedures and in such a way to prevent any fraudulent activities taking place
- Ensure all procurement activity for capital projects adheres to Company health, safety, and regulatory requirements, supporting a safe working environment for all stakeholders.
- Proactively pursue professional development opportunities to stay current with best practices in capital procurement and project delivery. Attend training/development courses as and when required.
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Essential:
- Minimum 5 years procurement experience, `University degree or higher education in a relevant field
- Ability to lead procurement across major capex projects
- Procurement strategy and tendering expertise
- Contract and commercial governance
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Stakeholder alignment, management and cross functional collaboration
- Communication and influencing skills
- Problem solving and resilience
- Customer focused mindset
Desirable:
- Working towards or holder of MCIPS professional diploma
- Experience with large scale automation and OEM technical projects
- Knowledge of JCT construction and civils contracting
- Understanding of sustainability technologies (solar, energy, decarbonisation)
- Coaching / mentoring mindset
What We Can Offer You:
- Competitive Salary and Benefits package
- Life Assurance and Company Pension Scheme up to 10% employer contribution
- Generous holiday allowance
- Gym benefit and Cycle 2 Work Scheme
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme for self and family members
- Employee Referral Scheme
- Service Awards
- Sharesave Scheme eligibility
- Holiday Exchange Scheme
- Financial Wellbeing Program
- Personal development and opportunities for progression
- Company Bonus Scheme
We are a leading manufacturer of a diverse and trusted range of concrete and clay building products used extensively within the construction sector, with instantly recognisable brands including Thermalite block, Bison Precast and the iconic London Brick.
Our complete product range comprises of clay bricks, aircrete blocks, aggregate blocks, precast concrete, flooring products, permeable paving and chimney, roofing, and flue systems.
Forterra’s purpose is to build lasting legacies, manufacturing a range of products from the ground up to support customers with their construction projects.
We are proud to be at the forefront of the industries’ safety standards and are committed to achieving zero harm in our workplaces.
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