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 trailMarket & supply chain
Track market trends, product developments and supply chain innovation; engage external partners
Support category/commodity activity as directed by Senior BuyerGovernance / 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 relationshipsAdmin / 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
