At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement of subcontract packages and materials for exciting engineering projects.
- Company: Leading civil engineering organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, discretionary bonus, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team delivering impactful engineering solutions across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in procuring NEC subcontract packages and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Procurement Heads have partnered with an industry leading civil engineering organisation to recruit a Senior Subcontract Buyer. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for managing the procurement of NEC subcontract packages and materials across live projects and tenders, ensuring best value, compliance, and strong supply‑chain performance. You will be joining a multidisciplinary contractor delivering innovative engineering solutions across sectors including rail, highways, aviation, marine, energy, water and environmental infrastructure.
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
- Ensure governance compliance, correct documentation usage and audit readiness
- Chair 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
- 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
Benefits of the Senior Subcontract Buyer role include:
- £50,000-55,000 + car allowance
- Discretionary bonus
- Up to 8% pension
Senior Subcontract Buyer in Preston employer: Procurement Heads
Join an industry-leading civil engineering organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions as a Senior Subcontract Buyer will directly impact diverse projects across rail, highways, and more. With competitive benefits including a generous salary, car allowance, and a discretionary bonus, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful employment in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Subcontract Buyer in Preston
✨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 Subcontract 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 brushing up on your negotiation skills and understanding of NEC subcontract packages. We recommend practising common interview questions with a friend or even in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! When discussing your experience, highlight how you've managed multiple workstreams and procurement schedules in past roles. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the Senior Subcontract Buyer position.
✨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 Subcontract Buyer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement experience, especially with NEC subcontract packages, to show us you’re the right fit for the Senior Subcontract Buyer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement in civil engineering. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed subcontractor relationships or led negotiations, so we can see your expertise in action.
Showcase Your Teamwork Skills:Since collaboration is key in this role, mention any experiences where you’ve worked with multidisciplinary teams. We want to know how you’ve contributed to developing procurement strategies and managing risks in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Know Your NEC Contracts
Make sure you brush up on NEC subcontract packages before the interview. Understanding the nuances of these contracts will show your expertise and help you discuss how you can manage procurement effectively.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, especially in civil engineering or construction. Highlighting your strong commercial awareness and successful outcomes will impress the interviewers.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Be ready to discuss how you've worked with multidisciplinary teams in the past. Share specific strategies you've used to develop procurement plans and manage risks, as collaboration is key in this role.
✨Stay Organised and Detail-Focused
Demonstrate your organisational skills by discussing how you manage multiple workstreams. Bring along any tools or methods you use to keep track of procurement schedules and compliance, as this will show your attention to detail.
