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.
