Senior Buyer in Milton Keynes

Senior Buyer – Civil Engineering & Groundworks Location: Milton Keynes Our client is a leading civil engineering and groundworks contractor based in Milton Keynes, with more than 25 years' experience delivering for the UK's largest housebuilders. They self-deliver a wide range of services, including groundworks, enabling works, bulk earthworks, highways and infrastructure, remediation and stabilisation, and bridge infrastructure, on residential-led developments ranging from 100 to over 3,000 new homes. As the business continues to grow, they are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to take ownership of procurement across their live projects. This is a family-run business with a supportive culture, and the role offers real influence over purchasing strategy, supplier relationships and cost control. The Role As Senior Buyer, you will lead the purchasing of materials, plant, equipment and services for large-scale civils and groundworks projects. You will work closely with project managers, commercial teams and site teams to make sure the right materials arrive on site at the right price and at the right time. Key Responsibilities - Lead the sourcing, negotiation and purchase of materials, plant and services for civils, groundworks, drainage and infrastructure projects - Develop and maintain supplier and subcontractor relationships, and identify new suppliers to widen the supply base - Negotiate pricing, terms and framework agreements that deliver cost savings without compromising quality - Evaluate supplier performance, reliability and price competitiveness - Work with project managers and commercial teams to understand project requirements and programme dates - Raise and manage orders, and keep accurate records of pricing, orders and deliveries - Monitor market trends, pricing and availability, and flag risks such as price rises and supply shortages - Ensure procurement activity follows company policies and procedures - Contribute to procurement strategy and to process improvements across the department - Support and guide less experienced members of the procurement team About You - Proven experience as a Senior Buyer, or an established Buyer ready to step up, within civil engineering, groundworks or housebuilding infrastructure - Strong knowledge of civils and groundworks materials, such as aggregates, drainage and pipework, precast products and concrete, as well as plant hire and subcontract services - Strong negotiation skills and a track record of delivering cost savings - Able to manage a busy workload across multiple projects and meet tight deadlines - Excellent attention to detail and accuracy - Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with suppliers and internal teams - Confident using procurement or purchasing software and Microsoft Office - CIPS qualification desirable but not essential What's on Offer - Competitive salary - Career progression within a growing business - Supportive, family-run culture To apply, please send your CV outlining your relevant experience