We are recruiting for an Assistant Buyer to join us here at Octavius.
We are a leading civil engineering organisation delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient transport solutions across the UK.
This is an excellent opportunity to take the next step in your buying career, especially if you've already gained early experience as a buying administrator or apprentice.
You'll be working on…. (what your role and responsibility is)
Supporting our central Procurement and Supply Chain team to deliver high‑quality buying and sourcing services across our Rail and Highways projects. Your work will span the full procurement cycle — from helping to identify project needs and engaging the market, to managing RFQs, evaluating suppliers, and ensuring timely purchase order placement. You'll play a key role in supporting Senior Buyers, contributing to project mobilisation, and helping our teams secure the right materials, at the right time, on the right terms.
You'll also help maintain strong supplier relationships, support monthly engagement meetings, and contribute to analysing market trends, risks, and opportunities to keep our projects moving efficiently and sustainably.
You'll receive…. (because we value you)
We offer a competitive rewards package, including a Company Car scheme, Private Healthcare, Pension, Life Assurance cover, 25 days Annual Leave (and a day off for your birthday). You'll also have access to Hybrid working where possible, an enhanced Paternity & Maternity package and the opportunity to develop yourself personally and professionally.
About you…. (what you are skilled at)
You're a collaborative team player with a sharp eye for detail and a naturally analytical mindset. You enjoy working in a fast‑paced environment, are commercially aware, and bring sound judgement to your decision‑making. You're organised, proactive, and motivated by improving processes, building strong relationships, and contributing to better outcomes across projects. Citations: “Team player… Analytical… Detail conscious… Commercially minded… Organized… Relationship builder…”
You'll bring… (your wealth of experience & qualifications)
* Experience in procurement, buying, construction sales, or a commercial role, ideally within civils, construction, or infrastructure.
* Confidence in managing data, analysing information, and supporting negotiations on key materials and commodities.
* The ability to build and maintain positive supplier relationships and support wider project teams.
* Competence in using ERP systems such as COINS, SAP, Oracle, or similar.
* A willingness to work towards MCIPS if not already doing so.
Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.