Senior Buyer

Downer; Milton; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Downer is seeking a Senior Buyer to support a regional Energy & Utilities project portfolio, sourcing materials, equipment and services to deliver value and reliability.

You'll drive procurement planning, RFx processes, supplier evaluations and contract administration, while ensuring Downer governance and compliance. You will identify cost-saving opportunities, manage procurement risks and enhance supplier performance across the portfolio.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.
• 5+ years' experience in procurement, contract management or project management in construction/utilities/energy.
• Strong source-to-contract and procure-to-pay knowledge within governance frameworks.
• Analytical, commercial and stakeholder management skills with ERP experience.
• Proactive, solutions-focused with ability to manage multiple priorities and relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain procurement plans aligned with project requirements and Downer frameworks.
• Lead sourcing and contracting activities, including RFx, evaluations, negotiations and contract administration.
• Build strong supplier relationships and ensure vendor qualification and performance issues are addressed.
• Monitor compliance with procurement processes, governance, P2P, and payment terms.
• Identify procurement risks and cost-saving opportunities while advising project teams.

Skills

Procurement planning

RFx processes

Negotiations

Supplier management

Contract administration

Governance compliance

ERP systems

Education

Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or related

Tools

ERP platforms

Procurement software

Project management software

Job description

The opportunity

As a Senior Buyer, you will support a regional portfolio of Energy & Utilities projects by sourcing materials, equipment and services that deliver value, quality and reliability. Working closely with project teams, suppliers and procurement stakeholders, you will drive procurement planning, sourcing and contract activities while ensuring compliance with Downer standards and governance requirements.

You will also play an important role in identifying cost optimisation opportunities, managing procurement-related risks and contributing to improved supplier performance across the business.

What you'll do

• Develop and maintain procurement plans that align with project requirements, contract obligations and Downer procurement frameworks.


• Lead sourcing and contracting activities, including RFx processes, supplier evaluations, negotiations and contract administration.


• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring vendors are appropriately qualified and performance issues are proactively addressed.


• Monitor compliance with procurement processes, systems and governance requirements, including procure-to-pay (P2P), delegation of financial authority and payment terms.


• Identify and manage procurement risks, opportunities and cost-saving initiatives while providing trusted advice to project delivery teams.

What we offer

• The opportunity to contribute to major Energy & Utilities projects and contracts.


• A collaborative environment where procurement plays a critical role in project success.


• Exposure to complex sourcing, supplier management and commercial activities across a diverse project portfolio.


• The chance to work with experienced procurement, project and operational teams committed to delivering safe and sustainable outcomes.

What we're looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Engineering, Project Management or a related discipline.


• Demonstrated 5+ years' experience in procurement, contract management and/or project management within construction, utilities, energy, oil and gas or a similar industry.


• Strong understanding of source-to-contract and procure-to-pay processes, with experience working within governance and compliance frameworks.


• Well-developed analytical, commercial and stakeholder management skills, with experience using ERP, procurement and project management systems.


• A proactive, solutions-focused professional who can manage multiple priorities and build effective relationships across project teams and supplier networks.

About Energy & Utilities

Downer Energy & Utilities delivers integrated operations, maintenance, construction, engineering and sustainability solutions across the utilities, energy and infrastructure sectors. Our teams are committed to supporting our customers while delivering safe, reliable and innovative outcomes for the communities we serve.