Build the Future. Lead the Supply Chain. Deliver Excellence.

Senior Buyer

• Permanent, full-time opportunity
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Warrington-based with travel to project sites and regional offices
• Generous salary package
• Opportunity to work on major civil engineering and infrastructure projects

The Opportunity

Are you a commercially driven procurement professional looking to make an impact on complex and high-profile construction projects?

We are seeking an experienced Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team, where you will play a key role in developing procurement strategies, securing best value, and building strong relationships across the supply chain.

This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of major procurement packages from tender through to award, working closely with project teams to support the successful delivery of industry-leading infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop project bid lists and undertake thorough due diligence checks on potential subcontractors and suppliers.
• Create and deliver effective procurement strategies, identifying opportunities to maximise value and reduce risk.
• Develop and manage procurement schedules in line with project programmes and key milestones.
• Lead the tendering process for subcontract packages and material procurement activities.
• Review and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations, considering cost, quality, risk, sustainability, and HSEQ requirements.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process.
• Arrange and chair pre-award meetings before subcontract placement.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with internal governance, procedures, and documentation standards.
• Lead regular procurement review meetings, monitoring progress, costs, risks, and actions.
• Support project teams with supply chain performance management and supplier issue resolution.
• Manage supplier and subcontractor onboarding, including compliance and due diligence processes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors while keeping up to date with market trends and risks.
• Lead category and trade procurement activities for assigned packages.
• Complete procurement audits for complex and high-value packages.
• Support continuous improvement through supply chain reviews, financial assessments, and lessons learned.
• Represent the business at client meetings, supplier engagements, and industry events.

About You

You are a proactive and commercially minded procurement professional with a strong understanding of the civil engineering and construction supply chain. You are confident managing complex procurement activities, delivering successful negotiations, and working collaboratively with project teams to achieve outstanding results.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a procurement role, ideally within civil engineering or construction.
• CIPS qualified or actively working towards a professional CIPS qualification.
• Proven experience procuring subcontract packages and construction materials.
• Strong knowledge of construction supply chains and market conditions.
• Good understanding of construction contracts and various forms of subcontract agreements.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Excellent negotiation and influencing abilities.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external supply chain partners.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work to challenging deadlines.
• Able to work independently and take ownership of procurement activities.
• Competent in Microsoft Office, ERP systems, supplier databases, and document management systems.
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working across office and site-based teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Why Join Us?

We value our people and are committed to supporting your career, wellbeing, and professional development. In return, we offer an excellent benefits package, including:

• Competitive pension scheme
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Generous annual leave entitlement, with the option to purchase additional holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
• Ongoing training, development, and support towards professional qualifications
• Employee rewards, recognition, and discount schemes
• The chance to work on exciting, challenging infrastructure projects within a collaborative and supportive environment

Take the next step in your procurement career and help deliver the infrastructure that shapes communities for generations to come.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates.  We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Senior Buyer looking for new employment.

As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.