Senior Buyer Procurement/Maternity Cover (FTC) in Manchester

Our Supply Chain team is looking for a Senior Buyer – Procurement to join on a 12‑month fixed term contract (maternity cover). The position is based in our Manchester office and offers a hybrid working arrangement, supporting a wide range of projects across BakerHicks.

About You

You are an experienced procurement professional who thrives in a fast‑paced engineering or construction environment. You bring a proactive, hands‑on approach and are comfortable managing multiple workstreams while maintaining attention to detail and commercial rigour.

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.
• Leverage 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. The successful candidate must be able to achieve and maintain security clearance for this role as required by our clients and sectors.

Benefits

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

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.