Senior Buyer

About the company:

I’m recruiting for a privately owned, highly respected company in the Highways, Bridges, and Civil Engineering sector across England. They have built a strong reputation as a trusted partner with clients in Kent, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, the East Midlands, and Yorkshire. The company specialises in S278 and S38 works, as well as construction and maintenance across all types of highways—from minor roads to motorways and major route projects.

Their expertise also extends to bridge infrastructure, utilities, and rail, with projects often involving significant concrete works, deep drainage, and major earthworks. Known for their exceptional approach to staff wellbeing, the company offers a supportive and positive working environment where employees thrive.

About the opportunity:

Due to continued company expansion, my client is recruiting permanently for a Senior Buyer (Materials) to become a vital part of the group purchasing team within a long-established civil engineering company. Bringing strong expertise in civil engineering materials procurement and supply chain management, you will work within an experienced department, consisting of the Supply Chain Manager, 3 Regional Buyers and 2 Trainee Buyers.

The role focuses on developing and maintaining key supplier relationships while meeting price, delivery, and quality objectives.

As a Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality purchasing support across tender and live projects, ensuring materials are procured to the correct specification, at competitive prices, and delivered on time. Working closely with the Pre-Contracts Buyer and Supply Chain Manager, you will adopt a proactive and strategic approach to negotiation, develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, and identify new opportunities to improve value and reduce external spend.

You will work collaboratively with internal teams, suppliers, consultants, and authorities, using strong technical understanding and effective system use to support efficient purchasing, early engagement with sites, and the successful delivery of projects in line with cost, quality, and programme requirements.

About the benefits and rewards:

This is an exciting opportunity to join a welcoming contractor that offers long-term stability and clear career progression. With an impressively low staff turnover—employees stay with the company for an average of 11.5 years—it’s clear they value, support, and respect their team.

A competitive salary will be offered along with the opportunity to opt for a car allowance or company car. Hybrid working is available along with 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

About the requirements:

In order to be considered for this opportunity, you will need a construction-based qualification and CIPS accreditation (or working towards this). Previous experience with COINS or SharePoint is preferred but not required. A minimum of 7 years in civil engineering purchasing or aggregates/waste management is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of competency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and hold a full driving license.

The role requires a proven track record in controlling and reducing external spend while developing a strong supplier base, alongside the ability to introduce innovative ideas to purchasing activities.

How to apply:

If interested in this opportunity, please forward a copy of your CV to me or call the main office landline to discuss the opportunity further on a confidential basis