Senior Buyer - Sub & Materials

Position: Senior Buyer - Subcontract & Materials
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