Senior Buyer

Run Resourcing Ltd; Lewes; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected contractor in marine projects is seeking a Senior Buyer to manage procurement for new projects along the South Coast. The role involves sourcing materials, negotiating with suppliers, and preparing cost reports while supporting junior team members. Applicants should have experience in a heavy civil engineering environment and the ability to develop strong supplier relationships. This is a key position with long-term prospects and a focus on sustainable practices.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement within heavy civil engineering.
• Ability to manage supplier relationships effectively.
• Experience in supporting and developing junior team members.

Responsibilities

• Source new materials and suppliers for value improvement.
• Negotiate pricing and commercial terms with suppliers.
• Prepare cost and value reports for senior management.
• Support sustainable procurement principles.
• Assist in the daily operations of the Procurement Department.

Skills

Experience in heavy civil engineering

Supplier negotiation skills

Cost analysis expertise

Ability to support team development

Job description

We’re working with a respected contractor to recruit a Senior Buyer for their Southern Region. The company has a long history of delivering marine projects along the South Coast, from Kent to Devon, helping to protect shorelines, improve ports, strengthen sea defences, and support the region’s water infrastructure. With several new projects starting between now and next spring, they have a strong pipeline of work confirmed through 2026.

The Senior Buyer will support the procurement team to manage supplier performance, producing cost analysis and coordinating deliveries. It is essential you have experience of working a heavy civil engineering environment working with specialist suppliers to build lasting, reliable relationships.

You will support junior members of the buying team to manage their development.

Buyer Duties :

• Source new and alternative materials and suppliers to improve value and supply resilience.
• Meet with supplier representatives and negotiate pricing and commercial terms.
• Prepare cost, value and whole-life cost reports for Senior Management.
• Support the Procurement Manager in embedding sustainable procurement principles and practices.
• Assist with the day-to-day operation of the Procurement Department, deputising for the Procurement Manager when required.
• Attend contract handover meetings to ensure procurement alignment.
• Support the Procurement Manager with planning, organising and allocating work tasks.

Should you have any questions or like to discuss this role please contact Sam Draycott