Highways Procurement Assistant Buyer

Randstad Cpe London; Southampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad Cpe London is recruiting for an Assistant Buyer - Highways in Southampton. The role covers end-to-end procurement for highways maintenance and public realm contracts, working hands-on with commercial, operational, technical and supply chain teams to secure best value and supplier performance.

The successful candidate will manage RFIs/RFQs/ITTs, negotiate terms, develop sourcing plans, and drive continuous improvement while supporting sustainability and Zero Harm initiatives.

Qualifications

• Experience in end-to-end procurement and supplier management.
• Experience negotiating commercial and contractual terms.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
• Good understanding of commercial and financial risks.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet project deadlines.
• Strong customer and stakeholder focus.
• ERP/e-procurement experience (Oracle or Jaggaer) is advantageous.
• Construction/civils experience is desirable but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist end-to-end procurement activities for subcontracts, materials, plant and equipment.
• Evaluate tenders and prepare sourcing and award recommendations.
• Negotiate commercial terms, pricing and contractual conditions.
• Identify cost savings and value-for-money opportunities.
• Develop and maintain procurement schedules and sourcing plans.
• Carry out supplier due diligence and financial checks.
• Raise purchase orders and manage procurement processes in line with governance.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement plans.
• Develop relationships with existing and new suppliers.
• Monitor market conditions, supplier capacity, pricing, risks and opportunities.
• Produce procurement reports, dashboards and management information.
• Work collaboratively with commercial, operational, technical, and HSEQS teams.
• Support sustainability, environmental, D&I, innovation and Zero Harm objectives.

Skills

End-to-end procurement

Supplier management

Negotiation

Analytical skills

Financial risk awareness

Attention to detail

Prioritisation

Stakeholder focus

ERP systems

Job description

Randstad Cpe London is recruiting for an Assistant Buyer - Highways in Southampton. The role covers end-to-end procurement for highways maintenance and public realm contracts, working hands-on with commercial, operational, technical and supply chain teams to secure best value and supplier performance.

The successful candidate will manage RFIs/RFQs/ITTs, negotiate terms, develop sourcing plans, and drive continuous improvement while supporting sustainability and Zero Harm initiatives.