Senior Buyer

VINCI Construction France; Telford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company is seeking a detail-oriented Senior Buyer to manage procurement operations and supplier relationships. The role involves collaborating with internal teams to forecast needs, negotiate contracts, and ensure compliance with industry standards. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in procurement, excellent communication skills, and relevant qualifications, including GCSEs and A Levels. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to project success and drive supplier performance.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in procurement operations and supplier coordination.
• Comfortable working across departments to support project needs.
• Experienced in handling sourcing, cost tracking, and supplier onboarding.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with teams to forecast procurement needs.
• Lead sourcing for high-value requirements and negotiate agreements.
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies and manage risks.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier Management

Cost Analysis

Compliance

Problem Solving

Education

GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or equivalent

A Levels or equivalent level of education

CIPS Level 3 or NVQ equivalent Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

Job description

Procurement Operations & Supplier Management:
• Collaborate with internal teams and project staff to forecast procurement needs (materials, equipment, vehicles, services), ensuring alignment with project goals and timelines.
• Provide strategic input in tenders and estimates, identifying cost-saving opportunities and procurement risks.
• Lead sourcing for high-value, high-risk requirements.
• Issue RFQs per specifications and contracts.
• Evaluate supplier quotes considering value, framework agreements, and strategic spend.
• Negotiate and finalise procurement agreements, ensuring value and compliance.
• Generate accurate purchase orders in the finance system.
• Coordinate with supply chain to track and expedite orders, minimising delays.
• Resolve complex procurement issues, escalating when necessary.
• Maintain supplier records and track performance.
• Document procurement decisions to ensure accountability.

Supplier Onboarding:
• Prepare credit account applications.
• Conduct supplier evaluations (commercial, ethical, operational).
• Add and update records in financial systems.

Compliance & Risk Management:
• Ensure procurement complies with policies, QSE standards, ethics, and governance.
• Evaluate suppliers on performance, quality, pricing, and service.
• Manage recurring issues and implement risk mitigation.
• Handle NCRs and support continuous improvement.

Cost Control & Analysis:
• Analyse costs and procurement trends, recommending improvements.
• Monitor stock and hired equipment; distribute weekly reports.
• Identify and report invoicing discrepancies; recommend actions.

Internal Collaboration & Process Improvement:
• Support process enhancements with the Procurement Manager.
• Work with site teams to align procurement with operations.
• Attend handovers to assess procurement needs and risks.
• Liaise with Finance on invoice disputes.
• Lead Scope 3 environmental data reporting.

External Collaboration:
• Engage and develop suppliers through reviews and innovation.
• Drive supplier performance and added value.

International Shipping:
• Manage import/export procedures and documentation.
• Reconcile PVA statements and maintain import logs.

Fleet Management:
• Maintain records for leased and hired vehicles.
• Update MID; review fortnightly for compliance.
• Track MOTs, claims, and service issues.
• Minimize vehicle costs and disruptions.
• Manage fleet lifecycle and replacements.
• Oversee toll zones and fuel card logistics.

Inventory Control:
• Optimise inventory levels, reduce waste, and prevent shortages.

Travel & Accommodation:
• Arrange travel and accommodation when the primary booker is unavailable

Reliable and detail-oriented Senior Buyer with solid experience in procurement operations, supplier coordination, and contract management.

Comfortable working across departments to support project needs, manage purchasing processes, and maintain compliance with internal procedures and industry standards.

Able to communicate effectively suppliers, sub-contractors and clients.

Experienced in handling sourcing, cost tracking, supplier onboarding, and day-to-day procurement activities.

Works well with teams to improve processes, solve issues, and ensure smooth delivery of goods and services.

The following qualifications are essential:

· GCSE Maths and English at Grade C or equivalent

· A Levels or equivalent level of education

The following qualities/experience are desirable:

· CIPS Level 3 or NVQ equivalent Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations