Senior Buyer

J. Murphy & Sons Ltd; North Stifford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international engineering company based in the UK is seeking a Senior Buyer to support procurement in large-scale infrastructure projects. The role involves managing subcontract packages, driving procurement strategies, and ensuring value for money in the supply chain. The candidate should have at least 4 years of experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills. This position offers opportunities for diverse applicants and aims to enhance sustainability in sourcing practices.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement within large-scale infrastructure or construction projects (4+ years).
• Experience managing end-to-end tendering processes.
• Strong ability to adapt to new e-procurement tools.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional service in the procurement of sub-contractors and materials.
• Manage construction stage project procurement including procurement strategy.
• Support the development of work package documents.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Supplier and contract management

Knowledge of NEC contract frameworks

Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP)

Understanding of sustainability practices

Job description

Murphyis a leading international, specialist engineering and construction company founded in 1951 with a purpose to improve life by delivering world‑class infrastructure. Operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and America, Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, natural resources, energy and water.

Headquartered in London, Murphy has a number of related businesses – Ground Engineering; Utility Connections; Murphy Plant; Murphy Process Engineering; Pipeline Testing Services; Specialist Welding Services; and Electrical Services. Murphy is a specialist in delivering pipelines, design, structural steel, tunnelling, fabrication, bridges and piling, and has a substantial holding of plant, equipment and facilities.

Murphy employs around 4,000 engineers, professional managers and skilled operatives around the world. Together, they work as ‘One Murphy’ — directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success.

A day in the life of a Murphy Senior Buyer

Provide an effective and professional service in the procurement of sub‑contractors and materials covering:

• Construction stage project procurement for Project Leader, including:
  • Procurement strategy
  • Production and driving of the procurement schedule
  • Development of work package documents in conjunction with project teams
  • Work package procurement
  • Production of sub‑contracts in conjunction with project teams
  • Management of sub‑contract formalities (execute, bonds, warranties)
  • Supply chain management, including structuring the supply chain, carrying out performance and relationship management to drive improved performance / cost benefits
  • Generate and encourage an efficient, productive and continuously improving supply chain performance within the trades
  • Support BMJV’s procurement functional goals and objectives across the project
  • Provide market competitive procurement solutions for the LTC project which demonstrate best overall value for money
  • Support the development of work package documents in conjunction with the project team
  • Ensure purchase orders and expediting activities are produced accurately and in a timely manner
  • Carry out performance and relationship management to drive improved performance / cost benefits
  • Support activities that generate and encourage an efficient, productive and continuously improving supply chain performance
  • Ensure supplier evaluation forms and risk assessment are maintained
  • Demonstrate best overall value for money in the procurement recommendations
  • Ensure a robust negotiation process is applied in the engagement process
  • Ensure contract arrangements and package details are comprehensive and protect the business in its dealings with suppliers
  • Support the development of the supply chain, products and innovations that bring cost and / or buildability benefits
  • Monitor the supply chain performance, workload and financial status to protect BMJV position
  • Liaise with other departments within BMJV and parent companies’ as necessary to forecast, plan to meet and supply demand to relevant quality
  • Assist in managing the supply chain and notify the senior management team of any possible obstacles to ideal efficiency
  • Track and report key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness
  • Visit site / suppliers and liaise with end users and other relevant parties, as necessary

Still interested, does this sound like you?

Proven experience in procurement within large‑scale infrastructure or construction projects (4+ years) managing large subcontract packages

Manage end‑to‑end tendering processes, including tender evaluation, recommendation & contract award

Supplier and contract management

Strong knowledge of NEC contract frameworks and risk management

Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills

Proficiency in ERP systems (SAP) and ability to adapt to new e‑procurement tools

Understanding of sustainability and ethical sourcing practices

You don’t need to meet every requirement to apply. If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you. Diverse voices help us think bigger and do better. We particularly encourage application from underrepresented groups including women, ethnic minorities and individuals with disabilities.