Senior Buyer

Kenton Black Limited; Bedford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenton Black Limited in Bedford is seeking an experienced Buyer/Senior Buyer for residential groundworks and civil engineering projects. You will source materials, plant and subcontracted services, build strong supplier relationships, and drive cost efficiencies while aligning procurement with project programmes.

The role requires proven buyer experience in construction, strong negotiation skills and the ability to manage multiple projects to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer within residential groundworks, civil engineering or construction.
• Strong knowledge of groundworks materials, specifications and supply chains.
• Experience procuring materials and subcontract packages for construction projects.
• Excellent negotiation and commercial skills.
• Established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work to tight deadlines.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and procurement systems.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure construction materials, plant, equipment and subcontracted services for residential groundworks and civil engineering projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, contracts and supply agreements.
• Monitor market trends, material costs and supplier availability.
• Work closely with commercial teams, project managers and site teams to understand project requirements.
• Manage procurement schedules, ensuring materials and resources are available in line with project programmes.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve procurement efficiencies.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any supply chain issues.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company procedures and industry standards.

Skills

Negotiation

Commercial acumen

Communication

Organisational skills

Procurement management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Procurement systems

Job description

Buyer / Senior Buyer – Residential Groundworks & Civil Engineering

We are working with a well-established residential groundworks and civil engineering contractor based in Bedford, who are looking to strengthen their commercial and procurement team with the appointment of an experienced Buyer / Senior Buyer.

With a strong pipeline of upcoming projects and continued business growth, this is an excellent opportunity to join an expanding contractor and play a key role in its procurement strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Source and procure construction materials, plant, equipment and subcontracted services for residential groundworks and civil engineering projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Negotiate competitive pricing, contracts and supply agreements.
• Monitor market trends, material costs and supplier availability.
• Work closely with commercial teams, project managers and site teams to understand project requirements.
• Manage procurement schedules, ensuring materials and resources are available in line with project programmes.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve procurement efficiencies.
• Monitor supplier performance and resolve any supply chain issues.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company procedures and industry standards.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer within residential groundworks, civil engineering or construction.
• Strong knowledge of groundworks materials, specifications and supply chains.
• Experience procuring materials and subcontract packages for construction projects.
• Excellent negotiation and commercial skills.
• Established relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work to tight deadlines.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and procurement systems.

The Opportunity:

An excellent opportunity to join an established and growing groundworks and civil engineering contractor, offering a competitive salary, benefits package and the opportunity to make a real impact within a busy procurement function.