At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead subcontract procurement for exciting infrastructure projects in civil engineering.
- Company: Join a top-tier civil engineering contractor with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference in vital sectors like energy, defence, and water management.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering subcontract buying and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Procurement Heads have partnered with an industry leading civil engineering organisation to recruit a Senior Subcontract Buyer. An industry‑leading civil engineering contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Buyer (Subcontracts) to join its procurement team in the South West. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in delivering complex infrastructure projects across multiple sectors, including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water, and regeneration.
The role will involve working closely with project teams to lead NEC subcontract procurement activities from tender stage through to delivery, ensuring best value, compliance, and strong supply chain performance. Applicants must have previous experience in heavy civil engineering subcontract buying. The successful candidate will be required to pass security clearance. Experience working in MOD, DIO, or Nuclear environments would be advantageous but is not essential.
As Senior Subcontract Buyer your key responsibilities will be:
- Establishing, maintaining and improving effective procurement controls in line with company policy and business objectives
- Developing subcontractor bid lists and undertake full due diligence for tender and project procurement packages
- Collaborating with Project Teams to develop procurement strategies, identifying and managing risk and opportunity
- Preparing, managing and maintaining procurement schedules aligned to project programmes
- Leading commercial negotiations with subcontractors and suppliers
- Ensuring governance compliance, correct documentation usage and audit readiness
- Chairing regular Project Procurement Reviews, tracking programme dates, tender allowances, order values and actions
- Implementing supply chain agreements, including Mini Frameworks and Preferred Supplier Agreements
Skills and experience required:
- Proven experience procuring NEC subcontract and materials packages within civil engineering or construction
- Must be able to obtain SC-clearance
- Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills and stakeholder management
- Ability to operate collaboratively within multi‑disciplinary project teams
- Highly organised, detail‑focused and able to manage multiple workstreams
Bristol employer: Procurement Heads
At Procurement Heads, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, particularly in the dynamic fields of Technology, Real Estate, and Professional Services, we offer a competitive benefits package and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, making it an ideal place for talented procurement professionals to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bristol
✨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 Procurement Heads, 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 Bristol at Procurement Heads.
We think you need these skills to ace Bristol
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 Procurement Heads
✨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!
