Senior Buyer Procurement/Maternity Cover (Contract) Manchester

Our Supply Chain team has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Buyer – Procurement to join the business on a 12‑month Fixed Term Contract (maternity cover). Based in our Manchester office, this role offers a hybrid working arrangement and the chance to support a wide range of projects across BakerHicks. Working closely with project and work‑winning teams, you will play a critical role in supporting the procurement and management of Professional Services Agreements across the full project lifecycle. This is a key role within our Professional Services supply chain, ensuring robust commercial governance, compliant procurement practices, and strong supplier relationships that enable successful project delivery.

This role will suit an experienced procurement professional who thrives in a fast‑paced engineering or construction environment and enjoys working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams. You will bring a proactive, hands‑on approach and be comfortable managing multiple workstreams while maintaining attention to detail and commercial rigour. You will be joining a team of professionals who value continuous improvement, accountability, and constructive challenge. There is scope to influence procurement strategies, improve supply chain performance, and support wider business objectives, while working closely with legal, commercial, and project delivery colleagues. You will have strong communication and negotiation skills, the confidence to challenge decisions where necessary, and the ability to balance stakeholder relationships with compliance and governance requirements.

Key Purpose

• Procure and administer Professional Services (Sub‑Consultancy) Agreements in accordance with company procedures, project requirements, and applicable legislation.
• Support the planning, coordination, and control of procurement activities across work‑winning and project delivery phases.
• Manage and develop the Professional Services supply chain, including supplier onboarding, performance, and compliance with pre‑qualification processes.
• Champion quality, governance, and commercial compliance across supply chain activities.

Key Objectives

• Administer the end‑to‑end process of procuring Professional Services Agreements for BakerHicks’ projects.
• Manage and develop the company’s Professional Services supply chain using the corporate pre‑qualification system.
• Support the Supply Chain Manager with order monitoring and approvals in line with delegated authorities and company procedures.

Principal Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Administer the procurement of Professional Services Agreements across live projects and work‑winning activities.
• Procurement experience working with professional services consultants, contractors, materials and equipment suppliers, and multi-disciplinary project teams.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage Professional Services contracts, working closely with the legal team to review and amend terms as required.
• Administer and maintain the company pre‑qualification system, managing supplier assessments in collaboration with internal departments.
• Review and approve orders in line with procurement procedures and delegated authority levels.
• Support work‑winning and project teams with supply chain cost data, market insight, and procurement strategies.
• Assist the Supply Chain Manager with the implementation of procurement strategies at project level.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date supply chain records, including cost data and project information.
• Develop and update trade‑specific terms for key professional services in response to market trends.
• Ensure compliance with company Quality Assurance and Management Systems.
• Report procurement progress to Project Managers and take ownership of the timely delivery of contracts.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in a procurement or supply chain role within construction, engineering, or a related industry.
• Strong knowledge of the UK engineering and construction market.
• Good working knowledge of UK model forms of contract for services, particularly NEC4 PSC.
• Experience providing advice and guidance on contract drafting and administration.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, etc.).
• Experience using COINS is advantageous.
• Excellent knowledge of current UK procurement and finance legislation.
• Experience working with construction contractors and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS).
• Relevant degree or equivalent professional experience.

Many of the positions within our company are subject to security clearance. This means that your eligibility for certain roles may be affected by various factors. The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain security clearance for this role as required by our clients and sectors.

About BakerHicks

We’ve been innovating in design, engineering and project delivery since 1957 and operate from 14 locations for a truly European reach. For more about our company story, see: About | BakerHicks. Whatever your discipline, you’ll be alongside some of the most talented people in the industry. Our network of offices are appealing, friendly and comfortable spaces, easily accessible by car or public transport. And our salary and benefits packages are some of the best in the industry.

Benefits

• Up to 6% matched contributory pension plan.
• 25 days annual leave plus ability to buy additional leave.
• Discount scheme (including gym membership, mobile phones etc).
• Family friendly policies.
• Employee assistance.

BakerHicks is an equal opportunity employer. We care about creating an inclusive atmosphere and are committed to promoting diversity and inclusion throughout. BakerHicks is an inclusive organisation welcoming talent from all backgrounds. Applicants are assessed on the basis of personal merit and qualifications.