Buyer

A privately owned Tier 1 civil engineering & infrastructure contractor (40+ years in the UK; ~1,200+ employees) delivering design, civils and maintenance services across:

Sectors: Water | Transport | Built Environment | Energy

Delivery model: Strong self-delivery model with in-house delivery and support teams.

Specialist capability (examples): tunnelling, MEICA, temporary/permanent design, steel fabrication, signage design/fabrication, H&S/PPE products.

Delivery environment: frameworks, alliances/JVs, and standalone projects.

Why join (high level)

• Long-term secured workload through major frameworks / infrastructure programmes
• Range of civils + mechanical/electrical schemes across large UK infrastructure clients
• Strong internal progression / development focus
• People-first employer culture (IIP-accredited environment referenced)

Role: Buyer (Procurement) - Civils/Infrastructure

Purpose of the role

Deliver end-to-end buying support across live projects-sourcing, negotiating and ordering materials, services and plant equipment -to ensure timely, cost-effective delivery aligned to programme, budget, quality, safety and compliance. The role is stakeholder-facing, working closely with site teams, regional support, and the wider procurement function.

Key responsibilities

Buying / procurement delivery

• Procure construction materials, services and plant across operational sectors
• Run supplier selection, quote evaluation, negotiation (price/terms/logistics)
• Provide commercial support on the packages/contracts you buy
• Liaise with site teams and suppliers to deliver a "right-first-time" service (safety, quality, programme, commercials, best value)
• Support internal stakeholders with product/commercial awareness throughout the construction lifecycle
• Maintain continuous communication with the procurement team to monitor progress and resolve issues quickly
• Keep procurement activity aligned to purchasing strategy and ensure an auditable trail

Market & supply chain

• Track market trends, product developments and supply chain innovation; engage external partners
• Support category/commodity activity as directed by Senior Buyer

Governance / ways of working

• Operate within financial approval levels and procurement procedures
• Manage workload priorities to maximise efficiency
• Support and collaborate with Trainee/Assistant Buyers (development/knowledge share)
• Maintain positive supplier relationships

Admin / reporting

• Maintain accurate purchasing/order and supply chain records (purchase order systems/processes)
• Provide reporting/data/KPI inputs as required (including analysis for approvals)

Candidate profile

Essential

• Relevant experience in a similar buying/procurement role (ideally civils/construction/engineering; exposure to Water or Rail beneficial)
• Negotiation skills and ability to build long-term supplier relationships
• Commercial awareness; comfortable controlling/monitoring budgets
• Confident communicator with professional stakeholder management/telephone manner
• Strong IT skills (MS Office + purchasing systems)
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment; meets deadlines
• Uses initiative, works well in a team
• Strong attention to detail (orders + contractual obligations)
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• CIPS qualified / working towards
• Relevant degree (or equivalent experience)

Package / benefits

Competitive salary + pension + life assurance + private medical + 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (plus service/loyalty recognition) + volunteering time + EAP wellbeing support + flexible benefits (salary sacrifice) + vehicle/car allowance scheme (role dependent) + leadership/management training + structured performance reviews + continuous service awards.