We are currently recruiting for a Regional Buyer to join the purchasing function of a well-established civil engineering company based in Huntingdon. Reporting to the Supply Chain Manager, this is an integral role responsible for supporting both tender and live projects, securing competitive material costs and developing strong, long-term supplier relationships.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in civil engineering procurement, materials purchasing, aggregates, waste or a related site-based environment, with a proven ability to control costs, negotiate with suppliers and ensure materials are delivered to the required specification, quality and programme.
Regional Buyer - Key Responsibilities
* Manage purchasing requirements for allocated tender projects, working alongside the Pre-Contracts Buyer to establish competitive and commercially viable costs.
* Ensure materials for live contracts are purchased to the correct specification, at competitive prices and delivered on time.
* Develop and implement effective negotiation strategies to achieve the best commercial outcomes.
* Maintain and develop strategic relationships with key suppliers.
* Identify new suppliers and negotiate supply agreements where required.
* Assist in improving purchasing processes and reducing external spend.
* Develop a strong working knowledge of the company's ERP system, COINS, and SharePoint.
* Read and interpret technical drawings and extract quantities where required.
* Represent the purchasing department at internal meetings when required.
* Support the Supply Chain Manager with the coordination of purchasing activities, focusing on cost, delivery and quality.
* Work closely with site teams to obtain material take-offs and purchasing requirements at the earliest opportunity.
* Take a proactive approach to purchasing by consolidating volumes wherever possible to secure improved commercial rates.
* Explore opportunities to utilise materials already available on existing sites rather than unnecessarily purchasing and importing new materials.
* Liaise with local and national authorities, including National Highways and Cambridgeshire County Council, regarding the suitability and adoption of aggregates and other materials.
* Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and ensure opportunities are communicated to suppliers offering the best value.
* Challenge traditional supply-and-delivery arrangements, particularly within aggregates, by exploring collect rates and arranging haulage through existing contacts were commercially advantageous.
* Work with external waste and geotechnical consultants during both tender and live project stages to identify and maximise opportunities.
* Maintain close communication with site teams, ensuring they are involved throughout the purchasing process and able to provide practical input.
* Ensure available administrative support is utilised effectively, allowing the role to remain focused on skilled purchasing and commercial activities.
Regional Buyer - Skills & Experience
* Previous experience within a civil engineering purchasing, procurement, site-based, aggregates or waste environment.
* Ideally around 5 years' relevant experience, although candidates with strong transferable experience will also be considered.
* Proven track record of controlling and reducing external spend.
* Strong supplier relationship management and negotiation skills.
* Experience developing and maintaining a robust supplier base.
* Strong commercial and financial awareness.
* Ability to identify opportunities to achieve improved value and successfully negotiate and close deals.
* Experience purchasing bespoke or manufactured items.
* Good understanding of modern purchasing techniques.
* Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
* Experience using COINS and SharePoint would be advantageous.
* Ability to read technical drawings and extract quantities.
* Construction-related qualifications are desirable but not essential.
* CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS is desirable but not essential.
* Full UK driving licence is required.
Working Hours & Benefits
* 40 hours per week, with working hours to suit the needs of the department.
* 1-hour lunch break per day.
* 26 days' annual leave, excluding bank holidays.
* 7 days of annual leave are reserved for the Christmas industry shutdown.
* Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
* Opportunity to join an established civil engineering business and play an integral role within its purchasing function.
Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.
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Salary description
£55000.00 - £60000.00 per year