Buyer

Gold Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design-and-build contractor is seeking an experienced Buyer for civil engineering projects in Manchester. This role involves sourcing, negotiation, and supplier management across water infrastructure projects. Ideal candidates have a proven procurement background in construction and possess strong negotiation skills. The position offers a competitive salary of £35,000 to £45,000 plus a car allowance, with hybrid working arrangements and excellent career progression opportunities.

Benefits

5,000 car/travel allowance

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Company pension and health insurance

Structured professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain management within construction, utilities, or engineering.
• Strong understanding of cost drivers and risk.
• Commitment to sustainable procurement practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead sourcing and procurement activities across regional projects.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Negotiate supplier terms and manage tender processes.

Skills

Procurement experience

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Self-motivation

Effective communication

Education

Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related discipline

CIPS qualification or working toward certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Procurement systems

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

Essential Requirements

• 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

Desirable Requirements

• 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

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 (phone number removed).

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.