Manchester
Senior Buyer – Construction | Business Support Division Location: Oldham £45k - £50k Employment Type: Full-Time Reports to: Business Support Director Sector: Construction / Procurement / Commercial Support Overview An experienced Senior Buyer is required to lead the procurement of materials, plant, goods, and services across a growing construction business. This role plays a central part in commercial performance, programme delivery, and robust supply chain management. Working closely with Commercial, Pre-Construction, Project, and Site teams, the Senior Buyer will ensure best value through strategic sourcing, cost assurance, risk management, and strong supplier relationships. The role is ideal for a commercially minded procurement professional looking to have a direct impact on profitability and project outcomes. Key Responsibilities Strategic Sourcing • Develop and deliver sourcing strategies for construction materials, plant, and services., • Identify, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to achieve cost, quality, and service targets., • Manage defined procurement categories in line with project programmes and budgets., • Support value engineering initiatives to optimise material efficiency and reduce cost. Supplier Management • Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to drive performance and continuous improvement., • Conduct regular supplier reviews covering cost, quality, delivery, and compliance., • Ensure all agreements are supported by appropriate contractual terms., • Complete supplier risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies., • Act as first point of contact for supplier queries, substitutions, pricing changes, and delivery issues., • Monitor supplier credit limits, payment terms, and financial stability., • Report supplier non-conformance and commercial risk to the Commercial Team., • Coordinate returns, credits, and resolution of defective or surplus goods. Cost Management • Align procurement activity with project budgets and cashflow forecasts., • Analyse market trends and pricing data to identify savings and cost efficiencies., • Maintain procurement schedules from tender through delivery stages., • Secure supplier and distributor rebates, ensuring agreements are auditable and current., • Monitor KPIs covering cost, cash, quality, service, and supply continuity., • Prepare monthly materials and plant spend reports, highlighting variances and risks. Contract Negotiation • Lead negotiations to secure advantageous terms, discounts, and rebates., • Ensure all contracts comply with legal requirements and internal governance., • Support the development of standard procurement templates, terms, and policies. Collaboration with Project Teams • Work closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Project, and Site teams to meet programme and budget requirements., • Provide procurement and cost advice across tender and construction phases., • Drive compliance with procurement governance and commercial discipline., • Support pricing exercises and early supply chain engagement., • Attend project start-up meetings to ensure procurement readiness. Risk Management • Identify commercial and supply risks and develop mitigation plans., • Track market conditions affecting pricing, availability, and programme., • Report risks to senior stakeholders and propose solutions. Data Analysis & Reporting • Produce procurement reports covering category spend, supplier performance, rebates, and cost variance., • Provide accurate procurement data for monthly cost reviews., • Maintain data integrity and reporting accuracy within Evolution M. Processes & Systems • Ensure compliant order placement and approval workflows aligned with procurement policy., • Maintain accurate price lists, supplier data, POs, and coding within Evolution M., • Prepare and update preferred supplier frameworks and product ranges., • Maintain procurement documentation including PQQs, agreements, rebate files, and approvals., • Support continuous improvement of procurement systems and reporting tools., • Provide guidance and basic training to staff on procurement processes., • Conduct system checks and reconciliations to ensure reporting accuracy., • Ensure documentation complies with GDPR and document control requirements. Operational Procurement • Plan and coordinate the procurement and delivery of materials and plant in line with programme and cashflow., • Work with Site Managers and the Commercial Team on delivery priorities and lead times., • Ensure accurate order placement and approval through Evolution M., • Monitor spend and flag any potential overspend or variance., • Manage GRN processes and resolve delivery/invoice issues promptly., • Maintain procurement workbooks with committed costs and rebate opportunities., • Provide accurate delivery schedules and manage long-lead items., • Coordinate site clear-downs, ensuring surplus material returns where possible., • Ensure authorisation of high-value orders and call-offs., • Standardise procurement approaches to improve efficiency. Labour Procurement • Manage relationships with preferred temporary labour agencies., • Ensure SLAs and labour rates are agreed prior to operatives attending site., • Raise weekly labour orders based on timesheets and approved rates., • Ensure subcontractors have valid insurances and completed PQQs., • Monitor compliance with terms, rates, and documentation. SHE Responsibilities • Support procurement of SHEQ-related services., • Align purchasing activity with SHEQ, sustainability, and ISO standards., • Contribute to waste reduction and sustainable sourcing initiatives. Experience, Knowledge & Skills Essential • Demonstrable experience in construction procurement., • Track record managing procurement and commercial processes across multiple projects., • Strong understanding of materials, supply chain performance, and contract terms., • Experience supporting commercial reporting and cost analysis., • Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills., • Strong commercial acumen and analytical capability., • High attention to detail and accuracy., • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement software (e.g., Evolution M). Desirable • Procurement or supply chain certification (e.g., CIPS)., • Experience with rebate management, contract negotiation, or commercial reporting., • Knowledge of NEC/JCT contracts and their procurement implications., • Experience supporting audits, governance, or continuous improvement activities., • Understanding of sustainability, ethical sourcing, anti-bribery, and modern slavery compliance. Decision-Making Capability • Confident making purchasing decisions within delegated authority., • Ability to balance cost, quality, risk, and programme., • Skilled in using data to support commercial judgement., • Capable of influencing senior stakeholders and presenting evidence-based recommendations. Personal Attributes • Strong team player with the ability to work independently., • Professional, proactive, and solution-focused., • Calm and adaptable under pressure., • Commercially astute with a collaborative mindset., • A positive influencer who promotes continuous improvement and high standards.
