Job Title: Lead Buyer – Civil Engineering / Water Sector
Location: Tipton (with travel to major project sites across the Midlands)
Salary: £50,000 - £60,000
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to one of the water industry’s most critical challenges while developing your expertise across data, network operations, and strategic resolution planning. Onsite is part of the South Staffordshire Group – a 3,000‑strong organisation behind South Staffs Water, Cambridge Water, and several leading utility support businesses – offering long‑term development and career progression.
We’re looking for an experienced Lead Buyer to join OnSite PaCE at a pivotal time in our growth. This is a high‑impact role for a senior procurement professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, project‑led environment and enjoys working closely with commercial, operational, and site teams.
You’ll play a critical role in delivering high‑profile civil engineering projects, shaping procurement strategy, protecting margins, and strengthening our supply chain. For the right person, this role offers a clear and supported pathway to Procurement Manager.
The Role
* Leading subcontract and specialist package procurement
* Managing commercial risk, cost control, and price volatility (steel, concrete, fuel, etc.)
* Negotiating strategic deals, rebates, and group‑wide bulk agreements
* Driving framework compliance (e.g. United Utilities, Severn Trent, Anglian Water, Environment Agency)
* Supporting Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and value engineering initiatives at tender and design stage
* Managing plant and equipment hire strategies (hire vs buy, utilisation, off‑hire waste)
* Coordinating just‑in‑time (JIT) deliveries with site teams
* Ensuring all suppliers meet Constructionline, CHAS, and internal compliance standards
* Promoting sustainable sourcing, including low‑carbon materials and recycled aggregates
* Developing and mentoring junior members of the procurement team
* Building strong, long‑term relationships across the supply chain
What You’ll Need
Experience & Knowledge
* Significant procurement experience within the construction or civil engineering sector
* Proven experience as a Lead Buyer in a Tier 1 or Tier 2 environment
* Water industry experience is essential
* Strong understanding of procurement within framework‑led projects
* Project 13 eco‑system or collaborative delivery experience (desirable)
Skills
* Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
* Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability
* Confident managing multiple priorities in a high‑pressure environment
* Proficient with procurement systems and the Microsoft Office suite
Qualifications
* Degree in Construction, Engineering, or a related discipline or demonstrable equivalent professional experience
Mindset
* Professional, trustworthy, and impact‑driven
* Values‑led, with a strong focus on integrity, continuous improvement, and collaboration
* Comfortable challenging, influencing, and leading by example
What You’ll Get In Return
* Family‑Friendly Leave Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days.
* Financial & Life Assurance – Life Assurance cover (role dependent) and a Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options.
* Health & Wellbeing – Employee Assistance Programme (8 counselling sessions) and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents.
* Lifestyle & Perks – Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers.
* Professional Development – Hands‑on training and ongoing career development opportunities.
* Inclusion & Belonging – Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women’s Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more.
* Performance & Recognition – Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards.
* Flexibility & Opportunities – Overtime available and flexible shifts / hybrid working (role dependent)
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