Senior Buyer - Civils

Rolls-Royce SMR; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Buyer to shape procurement strategies for new product introductions. This role involves conducting market and supplier analysis while guiding sourcing decisions. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial acumen and experience in procurement within highly regulated industries. The role offers a competitive salary between £40,000 - £52,500 and hybrid working flexibility across multiple locations, including Derby, Warrington, or Manchester.

Benefits

Flexible working environment

Opportunities for career growth

Culture of diversity and innovation

Qualifications

• BA degree or equivalent, or relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen with solid understanding of procurement and supply chain management.
• Experience in developing and delivering global category management and strategic sourcing initiatives from the ground up in an NPI environment.
• Ideally experienced working in a highly regulated industry.
• Strong planning and project management capabilities.
• Proven track record of delivering results.

Responsibilities

• Help shape procurement strategies for new product introduction.
• Conduct market and supplier analysis to guide sourcing decisions.
• Influence design and commercial outcomes.

Skills

Supplier Selection and Management

Strategy Development

Purchasing Process

Relationship Management

Commercial Acumen

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Planning and Project Management

Self-starter

Education

BA degree or equivalent

Job description

Senior Buyer

We anticipate offering between £40,000 - £52,500 (DOE) for Derby, Warrington, or Manchester offices with hybrid working flexibility.

We are Rolls‑Royce SMR and we're doing something that's never been done before. We're revolutionising an industry. That's a once-in-a-career opportunity for those excited by such a challenge. This is more than just a job; this is a legacy.

Role Purpose

As a Senior Buyer at Rolls‑Royce SMR, you'll help shape procurement strategies for a new product introduction, building a global supply base from the ground up. You'll conduct market and supplier analysis, guide sourcing decisions, and influence design and commercial outcomes. This role plays a key part in delivering a transformative UK infrastructure project—supporting innovation, clean energy, and future manufacturing.

Key Results & Achievements

• Supporting the development, delivery and approval of sourcing campaigns in accordance with RR SMR business constraints (time, cost, quality)
• Internal and external stakeholder management throughout the entire life of a procurement campaign

Key Selection Criteria

• Supplier Selection and Management: Contribute to the development and implementation of global supplier and commodity strategies; drive sustainable improvements in quality, cost‑efficiency and delivery performance; ensure innovation and commercial rigour embedded throughout procurement practices; align strategy with Rolls‑Royce SMR's broader mission.
• Strategy Development: Support global supplier and commodity strategy development to drive improvements in quality, cost, and delivery, ensuring innovation and commercial rigour at the core of our mission.
• Purchasing Process: Lead global and strategic tenders by developing PQQ/RFP documentation, managing market engagement, evaluating submissions, and supporting the execution of P2P solutions.
• Relationship Management: Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships, including supplier development, collaborating across directorates to ensure alignment and successful cross‑functional delivery.

Training & Qualification Requirements

• BA degree or equivalent, or relevant industry experience.
• Demonstrated commercial acumen with solid understanding of procurement and supply chain management.
• Experience in developing and delivering global category management and strategic sourcing initiatives from the ground up in an NPI environment.
• Ideally experienced working in a highly regulated industry.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, particularly for cost modelling and reporting.
• Strong planning and project management capabilities.
• Proven track record of delivering results.
• Global outlook and exposure to different challenges, cultures and ways of working.
• Self‑starter who can manage internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

Our Application Process

Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are:

• Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
• Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check.

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a forward‑thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer:

• A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment.
• Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business.
• A culture that values diversity, innovation and continuous learning.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you.

Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector‑jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills.