Our client is a well-established Tier 1 civil engineering and infrastructure contractor delivering major projects across the water, transport, energy and built environment sectors. They are seeking a Senior Buyer to lead strategic and operational procurement activity for live civils and infrastructure projects within a permanent position.
Key Responsibilities:
- Represent Procurement at tender, pre-start and key stakeholder meetings
- Work closely with project and operational teams to source and expedite materials and services in line with programme and budget requirements
- Ensure purchasing activity remains compliant with relevant frameworks, procurement strategies and internal processes
- Build and manage supplier and category relationships, monitoring performance and contractual compliance
- Negotiate pricing, terms and contracts to deliver value without compromising quality, safety or service
- Support sustainability and social value objectives through supply chain innovation and improved product choices
- Monitor market trends and lead activity for allocated commodities or categories
- Maintain an auditable procurement trail, accurate procurement schedules and up-to-date purchase order and supply chain records
Additional Responsibilities:
- Produce spend reports, cost analysis and procurement performance information
- Support departmental KPI delivery through data analysis and corrective actions
- Monitor costs against project and framework budgets
- Lead and mentor assigned team members, managing performance where appropriate
- Promote best practice and continuous improvement across the procurement function
Job Requirements:
- Experience in procurement or purchasing within the construction or civil engineering sector
- Understanding of relevant construction regulations, standards and supply chain requirements
- Strong negotiation skills, with the ability to build long-term supplier relationships and deliver savings and value
- Commercial awareness and experience controlling and monitoring budgets
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills across internal and external teams
- Analytical, detail-oriented and proactive approach to problem-solving
- Experience with materials and services such as pipework, valves, aggregates, precast, ready-mix concrete, muckaway, waste management or soil testing
- Full UK driving licence
Desirable Skills and Qualifications:
- Experience of procurement within the water sector
- CIPS qualification, or a willingness to work towards one
- Relevant qualification in procurement, supply chain, engineering or business, such as an ONC, HNC, HND or degree
- Confidence presenting to senior stakeholders, with strong PowerPoint and presentation skills
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
Benefits:
- Pension and life assurance
- Private medical cover
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, with service and loyalty recognition
- Volunteering allowance and employee assistance programme wellbeing support
- Flexible benefits, including salary sacrifice options
- Vehicle or car allowance scheme, depending on role requirements
- Leadership and management development, structured reviews, appraisals and long-service awards