Senior Buyer

Sizewell C Limited; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sizewell C Limited is seeking a Senior Buyer to manage end-to-end procurement for subcontract packages within the Civil Works Alliance. You will develop procurement strategies, run RFQs/ITTs, evaluate bids, and make sourcing recommendations for award, ensuring governance and compliance throughout the process.

Working in the Enabling and Earthwork Section, you will coordinate with commercial teams on contract negotiation, supplier performance checks, and the development of local supplier

Qualifications

• Demonstrable understanding of procurement and commercial principles.
• Thorough understanding of legal and contracting law.
• Excellent supplier relationship management.
• Experience designing and delivering category/procurement package strategies.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver procurement strategies for high‑value packages.
• Implement procurement processes and governance.
• Lead procurement activities for complex packages and RFQ/ITT management.
• Coordinate commercial reviews of tender returns and supplier evaluations.
• Draft, issue and execute contracts in line with project guidelines.
• Support local supplier engagement and SME outreach.

Skills

Procurement principles

Supplier relationship management

Project procurement strategies

Contract negotiation

Procurement governance

Analytical skills

Job description

Senior Buyer Opportunity with the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), Supporting Sizewell C

As part of the CWA (Civil Works Alliance), you will support the building of Sizewell C. Sizewell C will be a 3.2-gigawatt power station generating low‑carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and will play a key role in our energy future, supplying reliable, clean electricity for at least 60 years. This role will be within theEnabling and Earthwork Section.

What will you do?

The Senior Buyer will be primarily accountable for the management of the end-to-end procurement activities for the sourcing of subcontract packages. Activities will include compiling procurement strategies, preparation of RFQs/ITTs, management and evaluation of returns, and making sourcing recommendation to award contracts.

Key Responsibilities

• Development and delivery of procurement strategies for project wide and / or high value packages.
• Implementation of procurement strategies and processes.
• Carrying out the procurement process for complex packages in accordance with procurement and supply chain management strategies.
• Establishing project governance.
• Leading the co‑ordination of the commercial and technical reviews of tender returns, as appropriate.
• Working with commercial teams in contract negotiation and carrying out commercial checks for suppliers and past performance.
• Robust and complete recommendations for formal award approval(s).
• Drafting, issue and execution of contracts, in accordance with project procurement guidelines and governance.
• Development of the project supplier database – market assessments; track effectiveness of engagement; prequalification status; and bid support performance.
• Development of local, diverse and SME engagement strategies.
• Assist in hosting Meet the Buyer Events and community advertising.
• Support the development of the Local Sustainable Procurement Plan through liaison with Parent Company experts.
• Apply a consistent approach to the responsible procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with professional standards, current legislation, and nuclear regulations.
• Supply chain performance management and reporting.

What are we looking for?

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrable understanding of procurement and commercial principles.
• Thorough understanding of Legal & contracting law.
• Excellent supplier relationship management.
• Thorough understanding of project procurement strategies.
• Product knowledge.
• High attention to detail, ability to adopt and learn at a phase, clearly and consistently articulate and update agreed strategy.
• Excellent analytical skills, strong commercial awareness, a measured approach to decision making and the ability to ensure best value procurement.
• The ability to adopt a pragmatic, yet disciplined approach to process compliance.

Experience & Qualifications

• Substantial experience of complex procurement processes within a construction or major projects related environment.
• Experience in design and delivery of category and/or procurement package strategies to a high and consistent level.
• Proven track record in managing supplier relationships, negotiation and process compliance.

Humility

• Recognises the value brought from different cultures and experiences.
• Open to other’s points of view and ideas, willing to debate and to compromise.

Positivity

• Positively challenges poor quality and performance.
• Identifies solutions at the lowest possible level.
• Encourages tier 1s and others to bring new ideas forward.

Respect

• Values the rules and environment in which we operate.
• Gives and receives feedback with respect.
• Embraces and engages with new people and ideas.
• Operates as ‘One team’, working closely together and helping each other.
• Empowers team – empowered teams always looking forward.
• Shares responsibility for delivering the project outcomes.

Clarity

• Communicates clearly and consistently.
• Promotes collaboration and team alignment.
• Clear and fast decision making.
• Drives simplification at all levels.

What we will offer you?

The CWA is a single delivery organisation made of up of the client (Sizewell C) and three parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues and Laing O'Rourke - which offer industry leading packages including market leading salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, pension scheme and other flexible benefits.

About Us

The CWA celebrates the creativity and innovation that comes from a diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds — especially those from under‑represented communities. Our project is built on five core values: Humility, Positivity, Respect, Solidarity, and Clarity.
By joining us, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, speak up, and share your ideas. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. If you decide to apply, please avoid including sensitive personal data in your CV.