Senior Buyer

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer‑focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue‑chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, “One Company United”.

As a Senior Buyer, you will play a critical role in managing procurement activities and supplier relationships within the organisation. Leveraging your expertise in strategic sourcing, negotiation and supply chain management, you will lead procurement initiatives to optimise costs, mitigate risks and ensure the timely acquisition of goods and services to support business operations and objectives.

Strategic Sourcing:

• Input into the development and implementation of strategic sourcing strategies to identify cost‑saving opportunities, ESG opportunities, streamline procurement processes and enhance supplier performance.

Supplier Management:

• Manage local relationships with key suppliers, including contract manufacturers, distributors and service providers, to ensure alignment with business objectives and performance expectations.
• Conduct local supplier evaluations, performance reviews and audits to monitor supplier performance, address issues and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Procurement Process:

• Lead the procurement process from requisition to purchase order issuance, ensuring compliance with company policies, procedures and procurement regulations.
• Ensure the team has a strong focus on the accurate preparation of Purchase Orders and/or Contracts.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, including department heads, project managers and finance teams, to gather procurement requirements, assess demand forecasts and develop procurement plans.

Negotiation and Contract Management:

• Negotiate local contracts, pricing agreements and service level agreements with suppliers to achieve cost savings, mitigate risks and secure favourable terms and conditions.
• Review and analyse contract terms, conditions and specifications to ensure compliance with business requirements, legal standards and regulatory obligations.

Supplier Diversity and Compliance:

• Promote supplier diversity initiatives and ensure compliance with diversity policies and regulations in supplier selection and contracting processes.
• Monitor supplier compliance with contractual obligations, quality standards and ethical practices, and take corrective actions as necessary to address non‑compliance issues.

Risk Management:

• Identify and assess risks associated with supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations and supplier performance issues, and develop risk mitigation strategies to minimise exposure and ensure business continuity.
• Collaborate in the development of contingency plans, alternative sourcing strategies and supply chain resilience measures to mitigate risks and ensure the availability of critical goods and services.

Cost Analysis and Reporting:

• Analyse procurement data, spending patterns and cost drivers to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process optimisation and efficiency improvements.
• Prepare procurement reports, dashboards and presentations to communicate key procurement metrics, performance indicators and savings achievements to senior management and stakeholders.

• Proven experience as a Buyer or Procurement professional, with a track record of successfully managing procurement activities and supplier relationships.
• Experience with in the construction or utilities sector is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, strategic sourcing methodologies and contract negotiation techniques, with expertise in procurement processes and procedures.
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build…