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- Tasks: Lead procurement for civil engineering projects and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading water industry organisation with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a clear pathway to Procurement Manager.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to one of the water industry’s most critical challenges while developing your expertise across data, network operations, and strategic resolution planning.
Onsite is part of the South Staffordshire Group – a 3,000‑strong organisation behind South Staffs Water, Cambridge Water, and several leading utility support businesses – offering long‑term development and career progression.
We’re looking for an experienced Lead Buyer to join OnSite PaCE at a pivotal time in our growth. This is a high‑impact role for a senior procurement professional who thrives in a fast‑paced, project‑led environment and enjoys working closely with commercial, operational, and site teams. You’ll play a critical role in delivering high‑profile civil engineering projects, shaping procurement strategy, protecting margins, and strengthening our supply chain. For the right person, this role offers a clear and supported pathway to Procurement Manager.
The Role
- Leading subcontract and specialist package procurement
- Managing commercial risk, cost control, and price volatility (steel, concrete, fuel, etc.)
- Negotiating strategic deals, rebates, and group‑wide bulk agreements
- Driving framework compliance (e.g. United Utilities, Severn Trent, Anglian Water, Environment Agency)
- Supporting Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) and value engineering initiatives at tender and design stage
- Managing plant and equipment hire strategies (hire vs buy, utilisation, off‑hire waste)
- Coordinating just‑in‑time (JIT) deliveries with site teams
- Ensuring all suppliers meet Constructionline, CHAS, and internal compliance standards
- Promoting sustainable sourcing, including low‑carbon materials and recycled aggregates
- Developing and mentoring junior members of the procurement team
- Building strong, long‑term relationships across the supply chain
What You’ll Need
Experience
Lead Buyer employer: OnSite Central Limited
Contact Detail:
OnSite Central Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Lead Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to show off your knowledge about their work in civil engineering and water sectors. It’ll make you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Lead Buyer, you’ll need to negotiate deals and manage costs. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable with those tricky conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at OnSite PaCE.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially in civil engineering or the water sector. 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 and how you can contribute to our projects. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves negotiating strategic deals, make sure to highlight your negotiation experience in your application. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully managed commercial risks and driven cost savings.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at OnSite Central Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the civil engineering and water sectors. Be ready to discuss your experience with managing commercial risks and negotiating deals, as these are key aspects of the Lead Buyer role.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to shape procurement strategies and drive compliance. Think about times when you've successfully managed cost control or navigated price volatility, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to talk about how you've built strong relationships in the past. Share instances where you've collaborated with site teams or mentored junior members, as this will show your leadership potential.
✨Sustainability Matters
With a focus on sustainable sourcing, it’s important to express your commitment to low-carbon materials and recycled aggregates. Have some examples ready of how you've promoted sustainability in previous roles, as this aligns with the company's values.