Senior Buyer

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 in Water, Transport, Energy and the Built Environment. You will collaborate with procurement colleagues and stakeholders to provide best‑in‑class service for sites and offices.

• Represent Procurement during Tender/Pre Start meetings, CPD and internal stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure continuous communication with team members to review contract progress and address issues promptly.
• Collaborate with project teams to understand procurement needs and provide timely support, ordering necessary construction materials and services across all operational sectors.
• Align procurement activities with project schedules and budget constraints, optimizing cost‑efficiency without compromising safety or quality.
• Lead and mentor assigned direct reports while managing their performance.
• Ensure procurement activities align with required frameworks.
• Develop strong relationships with key suppliers and category leads, monitor supplier performance, and implement corrective action where required.
• Negotiate contracts, terms and pricing to secure cost‑efficient solutions while maintaining quality and service.
• Support the sustainability and social impact agenda, engaging the supply chain for innovations and new sustainable products or technologies.
• Monitor market trends, product and industry developments to anticipate changes and adjust approach accordingly.
• Provide guidance and support on procurement best practices, fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the department.
• Ensure professional and auditable procurement contracts are in place.
• Support any other procurement‑related activities subject to business requirements.
• Have experience in the procurement of pipework, valves, aggregate, precast & readymix concrete, muckaway, waste management and soil testing.

• Promote monthly spend reports and board and procurement reports that support informed decision‑making.
• Assist in the delivery of departmental KPIs, analysing data to identify areas for improvement.
• Submit detailed cost analysis to senior management and site teams for approval under company governance.
• Provide reports and data requested by the Procurement Manager relating to department and whole‑business requirements.
• Manage and keep up to date project procurement schedules, controlling and monitoring costs against project and framework budgets.
• Maintain order and supply‑chain records using the company purchase‑order system and procedures.

• Purchasing experience within the construction/civil engineering industry, including knowledge of relevant regulations and standards.
• Skilled negotiator with proven experience establishing long‑term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain, able to demonstrate cost savings and value enhancement.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets.
• Excellent communication and people skills, effective at collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with attention to detail and a proactive approach.
• A full UK driving licence.
• IT literate, proficient with Microsoft Office.

• Experience in the water sector with a keen understanding of associated goods and services.
• Current or working towards CIPS or equivalent qualification.
• Industry‑related qualifications such as Institute of Supply Chain Management (IoSCM), Institute of Procurement and Supply (IPS) or ONC/HNC/HND/Degree in engineering or business.
• Proficiency in presentation software, with the ability to present to senior internal stakeholders.

• 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, physiological and financial wellbeing.
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice.
• Company car, green car scheme, car allowance or van, depending 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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.