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- Tasks: Manage procurement and negotiate contracts for water infrastructure projects.
- Company: Leading UK design-and-build contractor in the utilities sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, health insurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact on vital infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in subcontract procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working and rapid career progression available.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 45000 £ per year.
A major UK design-and-build contractor delivering long-term infrastructure frameworks within the regulated utilities sector is expanding its regional procurement team to support an increasing pipeline of work across the West Midlands. The business operates across multiple national water programmes with a focus on governance, cost control, and supply chain excellence.
Role Overview
The Subcontract Buyer will manage procurement and commercial engagement with key subcontract partners across a large framework covering the West Midlands. The role involves sourcing, tendering, negotiation, and contract administration for a range of subcontract packages, ensuring alignment with contractual obligations, governance standards, and project delivery objectives. Reporting to the Regional Procurement Manager, the position is based near Derby with hybrid working.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the procurement of subcontract packages across regional water projects
- Manage tender processes including prequalification, RFQs, and contract awards
- Negotiate commercial terms, performance requirements, and contractual conditions
- Ensure compliance with framework agreements and corporate procurement governance
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors to ensure delivery performance
- Support project teams in package scoping, cost validation, and change management
- Monitor subcontractor performance against KPIs, quality, and programme targets
- Maintain procurement documentation and ensure audit compliance
- Contribute to cost forecasting, spend analysis, and reporting
- Promote ethical, sustainable, and efficient procurement practices
Qualifications and Experience
- Proven experience in subcontract procurement within construction, utilities, infrastructure or similar sectors
- Strong commercial understanding of subcontract terms, risk allocation, and compliance frameworks
- Skilled in negotiation, stakeholder management, and supplier engagement
- Experience managing end-to-end subcontract procurement cycles
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and procurement systems (P2P or ERP platforms)
- Organised, analytical, and delivery-focused
- Strong communication and reporting capability
- CIPS qualification or progression toward certification
- Knowledge of NEC contracts and framework delivery environments
- Familiarity with ESG and sustainable procurement standards
- Experience within regulated industries, particularly water or utilities
Benefits and Development
- Generous starting salary of £35,000 to £45,000
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional purchase option
- Contributory pension, life assurance, and private medical cover
- Health insurance, cycle-to-work scheme, and employee benefits platform
- Ongoing professional development and advancement within a major framework delivery programme
This is an excellent opportunity for a Subcontract Buyer to join a leading infrastructure contractor with a growing pipeline of work across the region. It would be well suited to someone looking for rapid career progression and not being given the scope in their current role to develop themselves.
Subcontract Buyer employer: Gold Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gold Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Subcontract Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and utilities sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their procurement processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions related to subcontract procurement!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and demonstrates your professionalism. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect match for you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to each role.
We think you need these skills to ace Subcontract Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Subcontract Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within construction or utilities, and showcase any relevant qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to water infrastructure and how you’ve successfully managed subcontractor relationships.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, be sure to include examples of successful negotiations you've led. We love seeing how you’ve navigated complex commercial terms and achieved great outcomes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gold Group Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of subcontract procurement, especially within the construction and utilities sectors. Be ready to discuss your experience with tender processes, negotiation tactics, and compliance frameworks. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare specific examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you managed commercial terms and performance requirements. This is crucial for the Subcontract Buyer role, so demonstrating your ability to negotiate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Build Relationships
Emphasise your experience in developing strong relationships with subcontractors. Discuss how you’ve maintained these relationships to ensure delivery performance. This role requires collaboration, so showing that you can foster good working relationships will be a big plus.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life scenarios related to procurement challenges. Think about how you would handle issues like compliance breaches or performance shortfalls. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and prepared during the interview.
