Subcontract Buyer

Gold Group; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A major UK design-and-build contractor is seeking a Subcontract Buyer for the Water Infrastructure Framework based near Derby. The role involves managing procurement processes, sourcing subcontractors, and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations. The ideal candidate has strong experience in subcontract procurement within the construction sector, and excellent negotiation skills. This opportunity offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and strong professional development prospects.

Benefits

Car allowance

Hybrid working model

25 days annual leave

Pension and life assurance

Health insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience in subcontract procurement within construction or utilities.
• Strong commercial understanding of subcontract terms and risk allocation.
• Skilled in negotiation and supplier engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement of subcontract packages across regional water projects.
• Manage tender processes including RFQs and contract awards.
• Negotiate commercial terms and contractual conditions.

Skills

Subcontract procurement experience

Commercial understanding

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Supplier engagement

Education

CIPS qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Procurement systems (P2P or ERP)

Job description

Subcontract Buyer - Water Infrastructure Framework Derby 35,000 to 45,000 + package

A major UK design‑and‑build contractor delivering long‑term infrastructure frameworks within the regulated utilities sector is expanding its regional procurement team to support an increasing pipeline of work across the West Midlands. The business operates across multiple national water programmes with a focus on governance, cost control, and supply chain excellence.

Role Overview

The Subcontract Buyer will manage procurement and commercial engagement with key subcontract partners across a large framework covering the West Midlands. The role involves sourcing, tendering, negotiation, and contract administration for a range of subcontract packages, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations, governance standards, and project delivery objectives. Reporting to the Regional Procurement Manager, the position is based near Derby with hybrid working.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement of subcontract packages across regional water projects
• Manage tender processes including prequalification, RFQs, and contract awards
• Negotiate commercial terms, performance requirements, and contractual conditions
• Ensure compliance with framework agreements and corporate procurement governance
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors to ensure delivery performance
• Support project teams in package scoping, cost validation, and change management
• Monitor subcontractor performance against KPIs, quality, and programme targets
• Maintain procurement documentation and ensure audit compliance
• Contribute to cost forecasting, spend analysis, and reporting
• Promote ethical, sustainable, and efficient procurement practices

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in subcontract procurement within construction, utilities, infrastructure or similar sectors
• Strong commercial understanding of subcontract terms, risk allocation, and compliance frameworks
• Skilled in negotiation, stakeholder management, and supplier engagement
• Experience managing end‑to‑end subcontract procurement cycles
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and procurement systems (P2P or ERP platforms)
• Organised, analytical, and delivery‑focused
• Strong communication and reporting capability

Desirable Requirements

• CIPS qualification or progression toward certification
• Knowledge of NEC contracts and framework delivery environments
• Familiarity with ESG and sustainable procurement standards
• Experience within regulated industries, particularly water or utilities

Benefits and Development

• Generous starting salary of 35,000 to 45,000
• 5,000 car allowance
• Hybrid working model
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional purchase option
• Contributory pension, life assurance, and private medical cover
• Health insurance, cycle‑to‑work scheme, and employee benefits platform
• Ongoing professional development and advancement within a major framework delivery programme

This is an excellent opportunity for a Subcontract Buyer to join a leading infrastructure contractor with a growing pipeline of work across the region. It would be well suited to someone looking for rapid career progression and not being given the scope in their current role to develop themselves. Get in touch with Matt Clegg at Gold Group today to find out more.

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