Senior Buyer - Construction

Overview

The Senior Buyer will play a critical role in managing the procurement of materials and plant across a variety of construction projects. Operating as a key link between project teams, supply chain partners, and internal stakeholders, this role ensures procurement strategies are aligned with company procedures, deliver value for money, and support the successful delivery of construction projects.

The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of construction materials, a strategic mindset, and the ability to support both operational and commercial goals through effective supplier engagement and cost management.

Responsibilities

• Support project teams and Procurement colleagues by managing the end-to-end procurement process for materials and plant in line with company procedures.
• Collaborate with the work-winning team to obtain quotations and pricing as required during bid and tender phases.
• Lead and contribute to procurement meetings; assist in developing project or bid-specific procurement strategies.
• Liaise with the Supply Chain Manager to negotiate, agree, and maintain supplier rates and long-term agreements.
• Ensure mandatory compliance with preferred supplier agreements and maximise the use of all preferred or third-party procurement frameworks to drive rebate generation.
• Maintain and support preferred supplier relationships, including coordinating and participating in regular review meetings.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and alternatives during both tender and construction phases to give the business a competitive advantage.
• Promote best value sourcing principles (not just lowest price) throughout all procurement activities.
• Work with the Purchasing Manager to increase the adoption and effective use of e-catalogues on live sites.
• Provide feedback on product innovations and market trends, sharing key insights with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Support the resolution of supplier performance concerns and act as a neutral party to mediate supplier disputes if required.
• Manage and resolve accounts and invoice queries related to procurement activities.
• Represent the company at supplier or client-led workshops, seminars, and industry forums as required.
• Management Responsibilities
• Provide guidance and mentoring to junior members of the procurement department.
• Support in the development of team capability and knowledge sharing within the department.
• Lead by example and promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Experience

• Over 7 years’ experience in a procurement function, with a minimum of 3 years within the construction industry.
• Demonstrated success in managing procurement activities with measurable cost savings and value creation.
• Strong technical knowledge of construction products, plant, and systems.
• Deep understanding of the construction supply chain and current market conditions.
• Experience in managing, mentoring developing junior members of the Procurement team
• Excellent financial, commercial, and analytical skills.
• Proven ability to manage workload effectively with minimal supervision.
• Highly proficient in COINS ERP system and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Able to work cross-functionally with commercial, operational, and site-based teams.

Underpinning Training & CPD

• Business Awareness: Understands the commercial and operational priorities of a construction business.
• Financial Awareness: Able to evaluate cost models, supplier quotes, and assess value beyond initial price.
• Effective Communication: Communicates clearly and confidently with suppliers, clients, and colleagues at all levels.
• Strategic Sourcing: Applies long-term thinking to supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Quantity Surveying, or Construction Management.
• CIPS qualification (or working toward).

Additional Information

• Role may involve occasional travel to project sites or supplier meetings.
• Hybrid working arrangements may be considered following probationary period.

Our people are at the heart of our success and our proposition to them is work with purpose, have time for life, build a career with no limits and surround yourself with great people. Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfill all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies (sharing speculative CVs) will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply. At Sisk we are committed to attracting and hiring diverse talent into our organisation. We know the confidence gap and imposter phenomenon can get in the way of meeting remarkable candidates. We also know that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often don’t apply for roles if they don’t feel they meet all the criteria. Give your transferable skills the chance to tell the full story. It’s not all about your technical expertise. Don’t hold back, we’d love to hear from you.