Buyer - Infrastructure/ Railway
Role Purpose
To deliver a professional and effective procurement service for subcontractors and materials, ensuring alignment with the objectives of the regional business unit and supporting overall project and business success.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee the timely, cost-effective, and compliant procurement of goods and services to meet project requirements.
* Contribute to the development and delivery of procurement strategies in collaboration with the Procurement Manager, helping to shape and strengthen the regional supply chain.
* Provide guidance, mentoring, and day-to-day support to Trainee and Assistant Buyers.
* Implement a consistent procurement approach across projects from pre-construction through delivery stages.
* Work closely with Estimating teams on bid submissions, including supplier engagement, tender analysis, and initial procurement planning.
* Monitor market trends to identify risks, opportunities, and pricing movements.
* Build strong internal partnerships to ensure that procurement contributes to quality, safety, programme delivery, commercial outcomes, and value for money.
* Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with supply chain partners.
* Maintain effective communication with colleagues and stakeholders to resolve issues quickly and keep projects on track.
* Ensure all procurement activity follows company procedures and meets professional and auditable standards.
* Prepare and issue supplier enquiries and invitations to tender in a timely and accurate manner.
* Lead the negotiation and drafting of commercial and contractual agreements for subcontract and material packages, ensuring compliance with governance requirements.
* Manage supplier performance, carrying out reviews with key supply chain partners alongside project teams.
* Keep project procurement schedules up to date, ensuring materials and subcontractors are identified and ordered in line with programme requirements.
* Challenge and support internal and external stakeholders to drive best value, innovation, and continuous improvement.
* Share information and collaborate with other regional teams to align procurement activity across the business.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
* Demonstrable procurement experience within construction and/or infrastructure sectors.
* Confident in the use of ERP systems, with the ability to support and train others.
* Degree or HND/HNC qualification (or equivalent experience).
* Professional qualification (CIPS) achieved or working towards.
* Strong knowledge of procurement markets, supply chain trends, and commercial risk.
* Excellent communication skills with strong attention to detail.
* Proven negotiation and influencing skills with a track record of achieving value-driven outcomes.
* Experience managing multiple stakeholders and building collaborative working relationships.
* Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan ahead for multiple projects and balance competing demands.
* Ability to interpret drawings and technical specifications.
* Self-motivated, accountable, and committed to working collaboratively to achieve team and business goals.