Buyer

Gold Group Limited; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design-and-build contractor in the UK seeks a Materials Buyer in Manchester to manage procurement for water infrastructure projects. The role offers a salary of £35,000 to £45,000, hybrid working, and excellent career development opportunities. Ideal candidates will have experience in procurement within construction and strong negotiation skills.

Benefits

£5,000 car/travel allowance

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension and life assurance

Private medical cover

Health insurance and cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain management within construction, utilities, or engineering environments.
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of cost drivers and risk.
• Self-motivated, capable of operating independently within governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities across regional projects.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage tender processes, ITTs, and RFQs through evaluation and award.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Cost control

Procurement systems

Communication

Education

Degree in Supply Chain Management or related discipline

CIPS qualification or working towards certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Buyer (Civil Engineering (Materials)) - Major Utilities Framework
Manchester
£35,000 to £45,000 + car & package

A leading design‑and‑build contractor in the UK water sector is strengthening its regional procurement function to meet increased project demand across a key framework in the North West. Operating within a high‑value, long‑term alliance, the business is focused on governance, efficiency and strategic procurement delivery. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward‑thinking, rapidly growing business with a growing pipeline of work ahead.

Role Overview

The Materials Buyer will manage procurement activities across a portfolio of water infrastructure projects for a large framework spanning the North West. The role covers sourcing, negotiation, supplier management and cost control, ensuring material and service delivery aligns with operational and commercial objectives. Reporting to the Regional Procurement Manager, the position combines strategic procurement execution with tactical supplier engagement. The Buyer will be offered a position that includes excellent career prospects, fantastic work life balance (hybrid working arrangements) and a generous salary & package.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities across regional projects
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business objectives
• Manage tender processes, ITTs and RFQs through evaluation and award
• Negotiate supplier terms, service levels and contractual conditions
• Ensure compliance with framework agreements and corporate governance
• Manage supplier performance, addressing delivery and service issues
• Oversee cost control and risk mitigation through proactive management of committed spend
• Maintain and improve procurement systems, data accuracy and reporting
• Drive continuous process improvement and sustainable procurement practices
• Support audits and ensure regulatory compliance
• Produce regional procurement performance reports and represent the function with internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain management within construction, utilities or engineering environments
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of cost drivers and risk
• Skilled negotiator with supplier and stakeholder management experience
• Self‑motivated, capable of operating independently within governance frameworks
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and procurement systems
• Commitment to ethical and sustainable procurement practices
• Effective communicator with strong influencing ability
• CIPS qualification or working toward certification
• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or related discipline
• Knowledge of construction materials, logistics and industry standards
• Familiarity with ISO frameworks and ESG compliance
• Experience in regulated sectors such as utilities, construction, infrastructure, rail or similar industries

Benefits and Career Development

• Starting salary of £35,000 to £45,000
• £5,000 car/travel allowance
• Hybrid working and flexible arrangements
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with additional purchase options
• Company pension, life assurance and private medical cover
• Health insurance, cycle‑to‑work scheme and employee discount hub
• Structured professional development and progression within a national delivery framework

Contact

If you're a Buyer based in the North West and you're looking for a new opportunity with an established, well‑regarded name in major utilities and infrastructure projects, get in touch with Matt Clegg at Gold Group today on 01342 330 539.

Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business. We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview. For a copy of our privacy policy please visit our website.

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