At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for civil engineering projects, ensuring quality materials are sourced efficiently.
- Company: Respected civil engineering firm with a strong reputation across England.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 26 days leave, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Enjoy a positive work environment with low staff turnover and excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team where your expertise will make a real impact on major projects.
- Qualifications: Construction qualification, CIPS accreditation, and 7 years in civil engineering purchasing required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About the company: I’m recruiting for a privately owned, highly respected company in the Highways, Bridges, and Civil Engineering sector across England. They have built a strong reputation as a trusted partner with clients in Kent, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, the East Midlands, and Yorkshire. The company specialises in S278 and S38 works, as well as construction and maintenance across all types of highways—from minor roads to motorways and major route projects. Their expertise also extends to bridge infrastructure, utilities, and rail, with projects often involving significant concrete works, deep drainage, and major earthworks. Known for their exceptional approach to staff wellbeing, the company offers a supportive and positive working environment where employees thrive.
About the opportunity: Due to continued company expansion, my client is recruiting permanently for a Senior Buyer to become a vital part of the group purchasing team within a long-established civil engineering company. Bringing strong expertise in civil engineering materials procurement and supply chain management, you will work within an experienced department, consisting of the Supply Chain Manager, 3 Regional Buyers and 2 Trainee Buyers. The role focuses on developing and maintaining key supplier relationships while meeting price, delivery, and quality objectives.
As a Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality purchasing support across tender and live projects, ensuring materials are procured to the correct specification, at competitive prices, and delivered on time. Working closely with the Pre-Contracts Buyer and Supply Chain Manager, you will adopt a proactive and strategic approach to negotiation, develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, and identify new opportunities to improve value and reduce external spend. You will work collaboratively with internal teams, suppliers, consultants, and authorities, using strong technical understanding and effective system use to support efficient purchasing, early engagement with sites, and the successful delivery of projects in line with cost, quality, and programme requirements.
About the benefits and rewards: This is an exciting opportunity to join a welcoming contractor that offers long-term stability and clear career progression. With an impressively low staff turnover—employees stay with the company for an average of 11.5 years—it’s clear they value, support, and respect their team. A competitive salary will be offered along with hybrid working and 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
About the requirements: In order to be considered for this opportunity, you will need a construction-based qualification and CIPS accreditation (or working towards this). Previous experience with COINS or SharePoint is preferred but not required. A minimum of 7 years in civil engineering purchasing or aggregates/waste management is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a high level of competency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and hold a full driving license. The role requires a proven track record in controlling and reducing external spend while developing a strong supplier base, alongside the ability to introduce innovative ideas to purchasing activities.
How to apply: If interested in this opportunity, please forward a copy of your CV to me or call the main office landline to discuss the opportunity further on a confidential basis.
Senior Buyer in Huntingdon employer: ICE Recruit
Join a highly respected, privately owned company in the civil engineering sector, known for its commitment to staff wellbeing and a supportive work culture. With an impressive average employee tenure of 11.5 years, this organisation offers long-term stability, clear career progression, and a competitive salary package, including hybrid working and generous annual leave. As a Senior Buyer, you will play a crucial role in a collaborative team, fostering strong supplier relationships while contributing to impactful projects across England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Huntingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in highways, bridges, and civil engineering. This will help you showcase your knowledge and passion during the interview, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Huntingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Buyer role. Highlight your experience in civil engineering procurement and any relevant qualifications, like your CIPS accreditation. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've reduced costs or improved supplier relationships in previous roles. This will help us see the value you can bring to our team.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. A bit of warmth and authenticity can make your application stand out. We’re looking for someone who fits well with our supportive culture!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the necessary updates. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICE Recruit
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of civil engineering materials and procurement processes. Familiarise yourself with the specific projects the company has worked on, especially in highways and bridges, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you developed supplier relationships and achieved cost savings. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and strategic mindset, which are crucial for a Senior Buyer role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Technology
Since familiarity with tools like COINS or SharePoint is preferred, be prepared to discuss any relevant software you've used. If you have experience with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, think of specific instances where these skills helped you in your previous roles.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Talk about how you’ve engaged with internal teams, suppliers, and consultants to ensure project success, as this will show you're a team player who fits well with their supportive culture.
