Senior Buyer

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