Job Description

Alpha Construction Ltd is seeking an experienced

Senior Buyer

to take a lead role in managing procurement of plant and materials across our projects. This is a key position within our commercial team, reporting directly to the Commercial Director, with responsibility for overseeing procurement processes, supplier relationships, and supporting the wider business to deliver civil engineering projects in line with project programmes, specifications and budgets.

Main Purpose of the role

:

Engagement with the supply chain to develop and maintain strong supply chain relationships, negotiating framework agreements, terms and conditions and payment terms with supplier chain.

Manage the process of and undertake purchase goods, materials, tools, equipment and servicessubcontractors to ensure that the company operational needs are met, considering price, quality and delivery constraints.

This role has greater responsibility and accountability than a Buyer and includes some people management responsibility. and implementation of the Procurement Processes for the company's supply chain.

In addition to this, the role will include supporting the Estimators with tender rates and prices.

Responsibilities

:

1. Database

Increase number of approved suppliers - Identifying potential new suppliers & new products

Maintain database and meet with suppliers, where required, understand companies' strengths and weaknesses and feedback performance

1. Tender stage

Working with the estimator to collate relevant information, issue enquiries to suppliers, receive and analyse quotations, reviewing queries, assumptions and clarifications.

Recommend inclusion within tender.

Producing Take offs from drawings for the Estimators

2. Tender submissions

Liaise with suppliers, where necessary, to obtain 'tender deliverables' (product data sheets/test certs etc) for submission as part of our bid.

3. Contract Stage

Attend internal pre-start meeting, produce and maintain supplier procurement schedules.

Working with the CM to collate relevant information, issue enquiries to subcontractors, receive and analyse quotations, reviewing queries, assumptions and clarifications.

Negotiate terms & discounts Issue Order.

Purchase goods, tools, equipment, materials or services or hire in line with specified cost, quality and delivery targets

Ensure continuous supply of required plant, equipment, tools and materials and communicate any supply problems which may pose a risk or impact on business operations to the project team

Report on financial KPIs for order value against budget/tender allowances

1. Materials and Plant Hire Procurement

Develop creative and innovative procurement processes /Improve existing processes and procedures for materials buying and plant hire procurement. Particularly muck away and aggregates.

2. Integrated Management System (IMS)

Liaise with IMS Manager to ensure IMS procedures and forms are updated/revised and fit for purpose.

Safety

Ensuring that reputable companies or organisations, which have a good safety record, particularly with delivery and collection of equipment/materials.

Assist project team in securing O&M information

Commercial

Monitor market trends, competitor strategies and market suppliers.

Research and evaluate areas of opportunity and reduce costs where possible

Assisting at all times with the promotion of additional work for the Company, and ensuring that all transactions are carried out in a proper and professional manner.

Develop ideas and strategies to improve operational efficiency, add value, aid business performance and work towards a strategy of continuous improvement

Production of quarterly report identifying departmental KPI performance, trends, risks and opportunities.

Communications

Keeping staff informed of all matters affecting the efficient operation of the site. Advising the project team, Commercial Director and interested parties of any significant developments that affect the performance of the contract.

Laising with the Contracts management/on site teams to ensure orders are requisitioned, placed and materials/equipment delivered in line with the programme requirements and advising of any issues affecting supply.

Mentor and coach the Assistant Buyer to enhance their career and professional development

Framework Agreements / Supply Chain relationship management

Develop and maintain strong relationships with supply chain to ensure service levels, performance, competitiveness and feedback are effectively communicated.

Work collaboratively, negotiate and engage with stakeholders and suppliers regarding new projects, supplies and initiatives and advise of impact of change on purchasing and production activities

Stay current and up to date on market conditions may affect the supply and demand and advise others of any impact

Attend meetings and update others on issues or concerns, in particular when there is a risk which could impact contract requirements or where there are over capacity concerns

Support product change requests and review and communicate the impact on capacity plans

Reviewing and agreeing pricelists, discounts and terms for annual framework renewals and new supplier framework agreements.

Limits of Authority

:

Items of capital expenditure.

Approval of suppliers and designers prior to engagement requires prior authorisation of the Commercial Director.

Placing of a supplier orders require prior authorisation of the Commercial Director; subject to agreed levels of purchasing power.

What you'll be doing:

Lead the purchasing of plant and materials to meet project and business needs. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, negotiating framework agreements and terms. Provide tender support to estimators with supplier enquiries, quotations, and pricing analysis. Manage procurement schedules, ensuring cost, quality, and delivery targets are met. Drive improvements in procurement processes, delivering cost efficiencies and value. Mentor and support junior team members. Monitor market trends, supplier performance, and opportunities for continuous improvement.

What we're looking for:

Proven experience as a Buyer/Senior Buyer, within the construction sector. Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills. Ability to manage procurement from tender through to project delivery. Commercial awareness with a focus on cost control and value. Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across teams. Leadership capability to guide and support junior staff.

Why join us?

At Alpha Construction, we value professionalism, innovation, and teamwork. You'll have the opportunity to influence our supply chain strategy, contribute to business growth, and be part of a supportive team where your expertise will make a real impact.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 48,000.00-60,610.65 per year

Benefits:

Company car Company pension Free parking On-site parking Private medical insurance Profit sharing
Work Location: In person