Senior Buyer

Vantage Recruitment; Ashurst Bridge; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency in the UK is seeking a Senior Buyer for a major infrastructure delivery programme within the water sector. The role involves full responsibility for supply chain management, procurement of materials, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate has strong subcontractor management experience and a background in construction or engineering. Excellent benefits and career progression opportunities are offered, with a competitive salary up to £65,000.

Benefits

Hybrid working and flexible arrangements

Opportunity on high-impact capital works

Influence over procurement strategy

Clear path to career progression

Competitive salary

Responsibilities

• End-to-end supply chain management for civil engineering and M&E projects.
• Lead procurement of materials and subcontractor packages.
• Mentor junior buyers and optimize procurement processes.

Skills

End-to-end supply chain experience

Strong background in subcontractor management

Experience with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor

Sector knowledge in construction or engineering

Commercial awareness and negotiating skills

Proficiency in procurement or ERP systems

Cross-functional collaboration

Ability to meet tight deadlines

Tools

IFS

DocuSign

Job description

Senior Buyer – Infrastructure Framework (Water Sector)

South / Southeast Region (Hybrid – site-based with flexible working)

£60,000–£65,000 + package | Permanent (Contract option potentially available)

Looking to step up in your procurement career? This Senior Buyer role offers the chance to work on a major £1bn capital delivery programme within the water sector – delivering essential infrastructure across the South and Southeast.

As Senior Buyer, you’ll take full responsibility for end-to-end supply chain management, supporting the delivery of both civil engineering and M&E projects. You’ll lead the procurement of materials, plant, and subcontractor packages – from tender to contract – ensuring performance, value, and compliance at every step.

You’ll be joining a high-performing commercial team within a long-term framework agreement, using digital platforms such as IFS and DocuSign to manage procurement activity efficiently and accurately. You’ll also support and mentor junior buyers while continuously looking for ways to optimise systems and processes.

This Senior Buyer position is ideal for someone commercially astute, operationally hands‑on and ready to make a clear impact in a critical delivery environment.

Qualifications

• End-to-end supply chain experience in a project delivery environment
• Strong background in procuring and managing subcontractor packages
• Experience working with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor
• Sector knowledge in construction, engineering, civils, rail, highways or similar
• Solid commercial awareness and confident negotiating skills
• Experience using procurement or ERP systems (e.g., IFS)
• Ability to collaborate cross‑functionally with project and site teams
• Organised, proactive and able to meet tight deadlines in a fast‑paced setting

Success Criteria

• Full ownership of procurement from requisition through to delivery
• Strong supplier performance and value‑driven contract negotiation
• Active contribution to supply chain strategy and system improvements
• Being a trusted and go‑to Senior Buyer within the wider team

Benefits

• Hybrid working and flexible site‑based arrangements
• Opportunity to work on long‑term, high‑impact capital works
• Influence over procurement strategy and digital systems
• Clear path to career progression in a major infrastructure setting
• Competitive salary up to £65k with package

Contract option available for flexibility. Apply now for a confidential chat.

Vantage Recruitment are working alongside FullCircle Technical as an employment agency and by applying for this role you will accept that we will share your details to ascertain the suitability for this role.