Senior Buyer - Subcontracts & Materials
Location: Preston (Office-based with project support)
Sector: Civil Engineering / Infrastructure
About the role
A leading UK civil engineering contractor, part of a large multidisciplinary construction group, is seeking a Senior Buyer to join its procurement team based in Preston.
The business delivers complex infrastructure and civil engineering projects across sectors including rail, highways, airports, marine, energy, water and environmental infrastructure, working collaboratively across specialist business units to provide integrated engineering solutions.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced subcontract and materials buyer to play a key role in supporting live projects and tenders within a well-established procurement function.
Key accountabilities
Develop tender lists and undertake due diligence of proposed subcontractors for approval by project and procurement management teams
Develop project and tender procurement strategies in collaboration with project teams, identifying and managing risk and opportunity to secure best value
Develop and manage procurement schedules aligned with tender and project programmes
Prepare and issue subcontract and materials enquiries for tendering and live projects
Manage the timely return of quotations and complete full commercial and best-value analysis, presenting recommendations for approval
Lead commercial negotiations with subcontractors and suppliers
Arrange and chair mid-tender, post-tender, final negotiation and pre-let meetings
Ensure compliance with internal governance processes and correct use of procurement documentation
Chair regular project procurement reviews covering subcontract and materials packages, programme dates, allowances, order values and actions
Support project teams by monitoring subcontractor and supplier performance, acting as a commercial mediator where supply chain issues arise
Manage new supplier and subcontractor onboarding, including all required due diligence
Maintain strong knowledge of the local and regional supply chain, including capacity and capability
Implement and manage frameworks, mini-frameworks and preferred supplier agreements
Build strong supply chain relationships to obtain market intelligence and support innovation
Lead supply chain performance management, including reviews, lessons learned and continuous improvement
Ensure accurate document management and record keeping
Represent the business at client, supplier and industry workshops or events
About you
Minimum 3 years' experience working in a procurement role within civil engineering or construction
Experience buying subcontracts and/or materials
Holding or working towards a CIPS professional qualification
Strong understanding of construction procurement processes
