Senior Buyer – Civil Engineering & Infrastructure
Location: North West London
Employment Type: Full‑Time, Permanent
About the Company
Our client is a well‑established Tier 2 civil engineering and infrastructure contractor delivering a diverse portfolio of projects across highways, utilities, groundworks, public realm, and major infrastructure frameworks. With continued growth across the London region, they are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Buyer to strengthen their commercial and procurement function.
Role Overview
The Senior Buyer will play a pivotal role in managing end‑to‑end procurement for multiple civil engineering projects, ensuring best‑value purchasing, robust supply chain management, and effective material planning. The role requires strong commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and the ability to work closely with project teams to ensure seamless delivery of materials and subcontract packages.
This position suits an experienced construction/civils Buyer ready to step into a senior role or an existing Senior Buyer seeking a stable, forward‑thinking contractor with long-term progression opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Purchasing
* Manage the procurement of materials, plant, and subcontract services for civil engineering projects.
* Source, negotiate, and secure competitive pricing while maintaining quality and compliance standards.
* Prepare and issue enquiries, review quotations, and produce comparative reports.
* Place and manage purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery aligned with project schedules.
* Forecast material requirements in coordination with Site Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Project Managers.
Supply Chain Management
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
* Manage supplier performance, pricing agreements, and service levels.
* Identify and onboard new suppliers where required to strengthen the supply chain.
* Monitor market trends, lead times, and cost fluctuations, advising the business accordingly.
Commercial Contribution
* Support tender and pre‑construction teams with procurement input and budget pricing.
* Work closely with commercial teams to ensure procurement aligns with project budgets and cost plans.
* Continuously seek opportunities for cost savings, value engineering, and process improvements.
Compliance & Administration
* Ensure all procurement activity aligns with company policies, framework agreements, and HSQE standards.
* Maintain accurate records, procurement logs, and project documentation.
* Ensure compliance with sustainable procurement practices and environmental considerations.
Skills & Experience Required
* Proven experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer within civil engineering, infrastructure, groundworks, or utilities.
* Strong negotiation and commercial skills with a track record of achieving best‑value procurement.
* Solid understanding of construction contracts, materials, and supply chain processes.
* Ability to read and understand drawings and specifications.
* Excellent communication, organisation, and stakeholder‑management abilities.
* Proficiency with procurement software, Microsoft Office, and ERP systems.
* UK driving licence (site and supplier visits required).
Benefits
* Competitive salary (DOE) plus package.
* Company pension scheme.
* Opportunities for professional development and training.
* Long-term career progression with a growing contractor.
* Supportive, collaborative working environment