The Opportunity We are recruiting a Senior Buyer to join an established UK civil engineering and infrastructure specialist, supporting the delivery of major projects across the water, transport, energy and built environment sectors. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced construction procurement professional to take ownership of strategic and operational purchasing, negotiate competitive commercial terms and build strong relationships across the supply chain. You will work closely with project teams, procurement colleagues and key suppliers to ensure materials and services are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality and safety standards. The Role As Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating and procuring construction materials and services across multiple projects and frameworks. You will play a key role in driving value for money, maintaining supplier performance and ensuring procurement activities meet commercial, contractual and compliance requirements. Key Responsibilities * Manage strategic and operational procurement activities across construction and civil engineering projects. * Work closely with project teams to understand requirements, coordinate purchasing and ensure materials and services meet programme deadlines. * Represent Procurement at tender, pre-start, project delivery and internal stakeholder meetings. * Negotiate supplier contracts, pricing and commercial terms to achieve cost savings and improve value for money. * Develop and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, category leads and internal stakeholders.Produce spend reports, cost analyses and procurement performance data to support business decisions and departmental KPIs. * Provide guidance and support to colleagues, including mentoring and managing assigned team members. * Monitor market trends and developments to support effective sourcing strategies and category management. Materials and Services Experience procuring a range of construction materials and services is desirable, particularly: * Pipework and valves * Aggregates * Precast and ready-mixed concrete * Muckaway and waste management * Soil testing About You We are looking for a commercially minded procurement professional with experience purchasing materials and services within the construction or civil engineering sector. You will be confident negotiating with suppliers, managing competing priorities and working collaboratively with project teams to deliver cost-effective procurement solutions. Essential Requirements * Proven purchasing experience within construction, civil engineering or a closely related sector. * Strong negotiation skills and experience building long-term supplier relationships. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. * Competent in Microsoft Office and procurement systems. * Full UK driving licence. Desirable Experience * Experience working within the water or utilities sector. * Knowledge of construction materials, supply chain frameworks and associated goods and services. * CIPS qualification or working towards professional accreditation. * Relevant procurement, supply chain, engineering or business qualifications. * Experience preparing reports and presenting procurement information to senior stakeholders. * Previous experience mentoring colleagues or managing a team. Why Apply? You will join a well-established infrastructure business with a strong pipeline of secured work across major UK projects and long-term frameworks. The organisation is committed to investing in its people, promoting career development and creating an inclusive working environment where employees are supported to progress. Interested? Apply today to find out more about this opportunity
Senior Buyer in Birmingham employer: Linear Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic team as an MEP Project Manager in the North East of England, where you will play a pivotal role in delivering a high-profile data centre project. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, offering opportunities for professional advancement in a fast-paced environment. With a strong commitment to health, safety, and quality, we ensure our employees are supported and empowered to excel in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Birmingham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Linear Recruitment Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Buyer at Linear Recruitment Ltd.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Linear Recruitment Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
