Buyer / Senior Buyer – Utilities & Infrastructure
Location: Falmer, East Sussex (Hybrid Working)
Employment Type: Permanent
Sector: Procurement / Utilities / Construction
Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits
Overview
An opportunity has arisen for a Buyer to join a leading utilities and infrastructure organisation, supporting the delivery of major capital projects across the South East.
This role sits within a high-performing regional procurement team and plays a key part in maintaining strong supplier relationships, driving value, and ensuring materials and services are sourced efficiently and responsibly.
It’s a great opportunity for a procurement professional looking to combine commercial challenge with purpose-driven work in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.
The Role
Reporting to the Regional Procurement Manager, the Buyer will deliver end-to-end procurement activities across multiple live projects. The focus will be on ensuring value, compliance, and timely delivery while supporting wider business objectives such as sustainability, governance, and risk management.
Key Responsibilities:
* Manage sourcing activities for goods and services across a portfolio of regional projects.
* Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and site teams to define procurement needs and priorities.
* Lead competitive tender processes (ITT/RFQ) and negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and service levels.
* Place and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery of materials to meet project schedules.
* Monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and maintain strong supply chain relationships.
* Ensure compliance with internal frameworks, client requirements, and procurement governance.
* Analyse market trends and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies and innovation.
* Contribute to process improvements and promote sustainable, ethical procurement practices.
* Support the accurate maintenance of procurement systems (P2P) and assist with internal and external audits.
* Prepare regional procurement reports and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
About You
You’ll be a proactive and commercially minded procurement professional who enjoys working collaboratively to deliver value and consistency across complex projects.
Essential Skills & Experience:
* Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
* Proven track record of managing supplier relationships and resolving commercial or delivery issues.
* Sound understanding of cost drivers, risk management, and ethical procurement principles.
* Confident working independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.
* Proficient in Microsoft Office and familiar with modern procurement systems or P2P tools.
* Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Desirable:
* CIPS qualification (or working towards it).
* Degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related discipline.
* Experience in the utilities, construction, or engineering sectors.
* Familiarity with ISO standards, ESG compliance, or sustainable sourcing initiatives.
Why Apply?
This is a chance to join a respected organisation with long-term framework agreements across the UK utilities sector. You’ll be part of a collaborative procurement function that values innovation, professional development, and responsible sourcing.
The business promotes hybrid working, offers genuine career progression, and provides an excellent benefits package including:
* Competitive salary
* Hybrid working (role dependent)
* Company car or allowance (role dependent)
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays (with option to buy more)
* Pension scheme and life assurance
* Private health and medical insurance
* Range of employee discounts, wellbeing support, and development opportunities