Senior Buyer
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 across 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.
Key Responsibilities
* Represent Procurement during Tender/Pre‑Start meetings, Collaborative Project Delivery (CPD) & internal stakeholder meetings.
* Ensure continuous communication with team members to review allocated contract/project progress, addressing issues immediately.
* Collaborate with project teams to understand procurement needs and provide timely support, ordering necessary construction materials or related services across all operational sectors.
* Ensure procurement activities align with project schedules and budget constraints, optimizing cost‑efficiency without compromising safety or quality.
* Align procurement activities with the necessary frameworks.
* Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and category leads for both frameworks and the wider supply chain; monitor 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 sustainability and social impact agenda, engaging the supply chain for innovative and sustainable products or technologies.
* Maintain awareness of market trends, product and industry developments to anticipate changes in the supply chain and adjust approach accordingly.
* Provide guidance and support on procurement best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the procurement department.
* Maintain a full knowledge of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure an auditable procurement contract is in place.
* Support any other procurement‑related activities as required by business needs.
* Be experienced in the procurement of pipework, valves, aggregate, precast & ready‑mix concrete, muckaway, waste management and soil testing.
Reporting Duties and Record‑Keeping
* Promote monthly spend reports and board and procurement reports to support informed decision‑making.
* Assist in delivering department KPIs, analysing data to identify areas for improvement and acting accordingly.
* Submit detailed cost analysis to senior management and site teams for approval as required under company governance.
* Provide reports and data identified by the Procurement Manager relating to department and whole‑business requirements.
* Manage and keep procurement schedules up to date, controlling and monitoring costs against project and framework budgets.
* Maintain order and supply‑chain records using the company’s purchase order system and procedures.
About You – Essential
* Purchasing experience within the construction/civil engineering industry, including knowledge of relevant regulations and standards.
* Experience in the water sector with a keen understanding of associated goods and services.
* Skilled negotiator, capable of establishing long‑term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain that delivers 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, with a proactive approach to attention to detail.
* A full UK driving licence.
* IT literate and proficient in Microsoft Office.
About You – Desirable
* CIPS or equivalent, or working towards it.
* Proficient in the use of presentation software, with the ability to present to senior internal stakeholders.
* Industry‑related qualifications such as:
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 plus 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days.
* 8 hours volunteering.
* Employee Assistance Programme to support mental, physical 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 career progression.
* Development supported by internal and external training.
* Continuous service awards.
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