Construction Purchasing Manager

ZipRecruiter; Brighton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company as a Purchasing Manager in Brighton, focusing on strategic ownership of categories within the construction industry. You’ll play a pivotal role in aligning sourcing activities with business objectives, leveraging stakeholder engagement, and driving innovation. This position promises opportunities for substantial impact in a forward-thinking procurement function dedicated to sustainability and value.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in category management or strategic sourcing, ideally in engineering & construction.
• In-depth understanding of sourcing processes and contract management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of category and sourcing strategies.
• Partner with stakeholders to understand business needs and specifications.
• Deliver cost optimisation and ensure compliance in commercial decisions.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Relationship-building

Proactive work style

Education

CIPS qualification

Job description

Job Description

Are you an experienced Purchasing Manager with experience in the construction industry looking to take strategic ownership of high-impact categories and drive real business value? We’re looking for a commercially astute, proactive Purchasing Manager to lead the development and delivery of category strategies across key areas of spend. You’ll play a central role in aligning sourcing activity with broader business objectives, engaging with stakeholders across the organisation, and delivering tangible value through smarter sourcing and supply chain decisions.

Responsibilities include:

1. Lead the end-to-end development and implementation of category and sourcing strategies.
2. Partner with internal stakeholders to understand business needs, demand profiles, and specification requirements.
3. Support and manage the full commercial lifecycle—from market engagement and tendering through to negotiation and contract award.
4. Deliver cost optimisation through demand aggregation, standardisation, and tail spend reduction.
5. Actively scan the market for innovation and external best practices, translating them into actionable plans for the business.
6. Ensure commercial decisions are fully compliant.

You’ll be a confident communicator, analytical thinker, and relationship-builder with the following:

• Proven experience in a category management or strategic sourcing role, ideally within engineering & construction or asset purchase and hire.
• In-depth understanding of sourcing processes and contract management.
• You will have in-depth category experience in either engineering and construction or Asset Purchase.
• Ability to demonstrate a proactive/can-do style of work.
• Familiarity with the Public Procurement Act and/or a CIPS qualification is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead on large-scale or complex projects and manage competing priorities effectively.

This role offers an excellent opportunity to shape category strategies with real impact, influence senior stakeholders, and be part of a forward-thinking procurement function focused on driving innovation, sustainability, and value. Apply today.