Civil Subcontract Buyer / Senior Buyer

Lanesra Technical Recruitment; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Engineering Contractor in the UK is seeking a Buyer/Senior Buyer - Civil Subcontracts to manage procurement for multiple projects. This role involves procuring subcontractor packages, supporting project delivery, and maintaining supplier relationships. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills, a customer-centric approach, and relevant qualifications. The position offers a competitive salary of £45,000 - £55,000 plus an excellent package, with hybrid working available.

Qualifications

• Strong influencing skills across functions and stakeholders.
• Self-starter with confidence to represent Procurement function.
• Commercially astute with solid understanding of cost drivers.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement of subcontractor works including civils packages.
• Ensure timely engagement of subcontractors aligned with projects.
• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors.
• Monitor costs and manage tender processes.
• Promote best practice procurement and compliance.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Customer-centric approach

Self-starter

Commercially astute

Networking skills

Proficient in Microsoft Office

Ethical procurement practices

Education

Qualification in Business or related field

CIPS qualified or working towards certification

Job description

Overview

Position: Buyer/Senior Buyer - Civil Subcontracts

Location: Derby (With Hybrid Working)

Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 Plus Excellent Package

Our client is a leading Engineering Contractor which operates throughout the UK delivering projects within the water sector. They have a new opportunity for a Civil Subcontract Buyer or Senior Buyer to help deliver an increased project portfolio across their Severn Trent Water framework.

The Civils Subcontractor Buyer will be responsible for procuring subcontractor packages across multiple projects within the region. This includes managing tender processes, negotiating subcontract terms, ensuring compliance and maintaining strong supplier relationships. The role is pivotal in controlling costs, mitigating risk at program level, and supporting project delivery.

This role will be instrumental in:

Procure Civils Subcontract Packages: Lead procurement of subcontractor works including groundworks, drainage, earthworks, structures, and associated civils packages.

Support Project Delivery: Ensure timely and compliant subcontractor engagement aligned with project schedules and specifications.

Enhancing Supplier Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors to ensure performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.

Ensure Governance and Consistency: Align procurement practices with company policies, client frameworks, and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Subcontractor Procurement
  • Collaborate with project teams to define scope and procurement needs for civils packages.
  • Develop and execute project-specific procurement strategies.
  • Manage end-to-end tender processes including ITTs, RFQs, evaluations, and award recommendations.
  • Negotiate subcontract terms including pricing, programme, KPIs, and risk allocation.
  • Ensure compliance with client frameworks and internal governance.
  • Monitor program level committed costs and forecast subcontractor spend to mitigate financial risk.
• Supply Chain Management
  • Maintain strong relationships with civils subcontractors, resolving performance and delivery issues.
  • Ensure subcontractor compliance with Health & Safety, environmental, and quality standards.
  • Hold supplier relationship meetings and act as the escalation point for subcontractor-related issues across projects.
• Process Management & Improvement
  • Ensure adherence to procurement policies, contracts, and regulatory requirements.
  • Promote best practice procurement and continuous improvement.
  • Support ESG objectives through sustainable and ethical sourcing.
  • Maintain accurate records and data within procurement systems.
  • Support internal and external audits.
• Performance, Reporting & Representation
  • Prepare regional level reports on procurement performance and risk.
  • Represent the department and organisation professionally in all interactions.
  • Build strong relationships with project teams, clients, suppliers, and internal teams.
  • Share best practices, innovation and drive continuous improvement.
  • Undertake additional duties, training, or working hours as reasonably required, consistent with the level of responsibility of this role.
  • Proactively manage your own continuous professional development by engaging in external networking, conferences, associations, and training to stay current with industry trends and innovations.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across functions, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Customer-centric approach to procurement delivery.
• Self-starter with the confidence to represent the Procurement function independently.
• Commercially astute with a solid understanding of cost drivers and risk.
• Skilled in networking and exerting positive business influence.
• Committed to ethical procurement practices in line with the CIPS Ethical Policy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with a proven track record of effective use.
• Demonstrates and champions the company's core values and behaviours.

Desirable

• CIPS qualified or actively working towards certification.
• Qualification in Business, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Economics, Procurement, or a related field.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and civils subcontractor frameworks.
• Familiarity with ISO standards, ESG compliance, and ethical sourcing practices.
• Experience in regulated industries such as utilities, construction, pharmaceuticals, aerospace, or food.