Discovering the role of a Project Buyer in solar energy
As the company’s representative to suppliers, the Project Buyer must understand both internal and external constraints to organize procurement for the categories they manage. Their role is crucial in contributing to the construction of photovoltaic plants while maintaining expected margins and quality.
What are the daily responsibilities? (non-exhaustive list):
The Project Buyer oversees procurement related to photovoltaic projects and works closely with other departments, such as the Design Office, Construction, Quality, and Operations-Maintenance, to understand project needs and constraints and ensure product alignment. Their responsibilities include managing:
Procurement Categories:
- Gathering requirements and schedules for the material categories under their responsibility.
- Proposing a procurement strategy for the categories they manage.
- Monitoring price trends.
Supplier Relationships:
- Managing supplier consultations while ensuring adherence to the schedules and budgets of other departments.
- Conducting market research and prospecting for new suppliers to ensure the best technical and economic solutions are available.
- Communicating with departments such as supply chain, accounting, and construction regarding procurement content.
Purchase Contracts:
- Preparing and negotiating purchase contracts.
- Engaging internal stakeholders to refine analyses and compile contractual documents.
Responsibilities related to implementing the quality and environmental management system:
- Applying the company’s Quality-Environment Policy and contributing to continuous improvement.
- Communicating and promoting best practices.
- Contributing to achieving defined quality and environmental objectives.
- Enhancing customer and stakeholder satisfaction.
- Adhering to established processes and procedures.
- Completing quality and environmental records related to their activities.
- Identifying, recording, and addressing non-conformities.
- Participating in waste sorting and environmental protection (e.g., optimizing travel, reducing paper consumption, etc.).
What qualities are required?
While the role of a Project Buyer requires strong technical expertise in renewable energy, it also demands other key qualities, such as:
- Rigor and organization.
- Negotiation and persuasion skills.
- Strong interpersonal abilities, characterized by excellent dialogue and listening skills.
- Proficiency in English.
- An eco-responsible and environmentally respectful approach to their duties.
Analytical skills and the ability to understand needs are also valuable, enabling the Project Buyer to anticipate situations and respond effectively.
