Senior Buyer
The Role
As a Senior Buyer you will be responsible for the Strategic and Operational sourcing, negotiating, and ordering of Materials and Services essential for the delivery of our projects, in Water, Transport, Energy and the Built Environment. You will collaborate with your direct counterparts and other members of the procurement team, collectively working to provide best-in-class service for our sites and offices.
Your primary responsibilities will include procurement activities both within and outside of frameworks, collaborating with internal stakeholders to understand and source their commercial and product requirements while providing reports and data to drive departmental and business KPIs.
This role requires a detail-oriented individual with experience strategically sourcing Materials in the construction/civil engineering environment, able to manage supplier relationships effectively while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, able to deliver a professional, customer-focused service, supporting the needs of our Project & Operational teams.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement duties
* Be responsible for representing Procurement during Tender/PreStart meetings, Collaborative Project Delivery (CPD) & Internal Stakeholder meetings
* Accountable for ensuring continuous communication with other team members to review allocated contract/project progress and address associated issues immediately.
Strategic & Operational support
* Collaborate with project teams to understand their procurement needs and provide timely support, ordering necessary construction materials, or related services across all operational sectors.
* Ensure that procurement activities align with project schedules and budget constraints, optimizing cost‑efficiency without compromising on safety or quality.
Ensuring our procurement activities align with the necessary frameworks.
Developing strong relationships with key suppliers and category leads for both frameworks and the wider supply chain; monitoring supplier performance and compliance with contractual agreements, implementing corrective action where required.
Negotiate contracts, terms, and pricing with suppliers to secure cost‑efficient solutions while maintaining quality and service.
Support the development of the sustainability and social impact agenda, proactively engaging the supply chain for innovations and new sustainable products or technologies.
Being proactive regarding market trends, product and industry developments to anticipate changes in the supply chain and adjust approach, accordingly, leading as directed by the Procurement Manager on any specific commodity or category.
Providing guidance and support on procurement best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.
Working with procurement team members and project teams to review contract progress and address associated issues immediately.
Maintaining a full knowledge and understanding of the purchasing strategy and processes to ensure a professional and auditable procurement contract is in place.
Supporting any other procurement related activities subject to business requirements.
Experienced in the procurement of Pipework, Valves, Aggregate, Precast & Readymix Concrete, Muckaway, Waste management and Soil Testing.
Reporting duties and record keeping
* Promoting the provision of monthly spend reports, the creation of board and procurement reports to support informed decision making, taking necessary actions as identified.
* Assisting in the delivery of the department KPIs, collaboratively analysing data to identify areas for improvement and acting accordingly.
* Submitting detailed cost analysis to senior management and site teams for approval as required under company governance.
* Providing reports and data identified by the Procurement Manager relating to department and whole business requirements.
* Managing and keeping up to date project procurement schedules, controlling and monitoring costs against project and framework budgets.
* Maintenance and upkeep of order and supply chain records utilising the company’s purchase order system and procedures.
About you
Essential
* Purchasing experience, within the construction/civil engineering industry including knowledge of relevant industry regulations and standards.
* Experience in the water sector with a keen understanding of associated Goods and Services.
* Skilled negotiator, with proven experience in establishing long term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain; able to demonstrate the ability to drive cost savings and value enhancement.
* Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets.
* Excellent communication and people skills, able to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
* Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, able to demonstrate attention to detail with a proactive approach.
* A full UK driving license
* IT literate, proficient in the use of Microsoft Office
Desirable
* CIPS or equivalent or working towards
* Proficient in the use of presentation software, with the ability to present to Senior Internal Stakeholders
* Industry‑related qualifications, and could include:
o Professional qualification e.g Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM), Institute of Procurement and Supply (IPS)
o ONC/HNC/HND/Degree in associated disciplines e.g. engineering or business
Benefits
* Competitive salary
* Company Pension
* Life Assurance
* Private Medical
* 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
* 8 hours volunteering
* Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing
* Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
* Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position)
* Leadership & management training and coaching
* Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
* Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
* Continuous service awards
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