Jobs in Chawston

Buyer – Groundworks & Civil Engineering Materials

Role Summary

Location: Bedford
Salary: Competitive – To Be Confirmed (Negotiable Subject to Experience)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and commercially focused Buyer to join our growing procurement team, supporting a range of groundworks, civil engineering, and infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the procurement of materials, plant, and associated services, ensuring projects receive the right resources at the right time and at the best possible value. Working closely with site teams, commercial managers, suppliers, and subcontractors, you will play a key role in maintaining programme delivery, cost control, and supply chain performance.

This position is ideally suited to an established Buyer with experience within the groundworks, civil engineering, utilities, infrastructure, or wider construction sectors.

Key Responsibilities

Procure groundworks, civil engineering, and construction materials in line with project requirements and programmes.
Source and negotiate the purchase of aggregates, drainage products, concrete, reinforcement, kerbing, ducting, geotechnical products, plant hire, and associated site materials.
Obtain, analyse, and compare supplier quotations to ensure best value and commercial advantage.
Negotiate pricing, rebates, payment terms, and framework agreements with suppliers.
Develop and manage relationships with key suppliers and manufacturers across the civil engineering supply chain.
Monitor market trends, material availability, and pricing fluctuations to minimise project risk and maximise savings.
Work closely with operational, commercial, and site management teams to forecast material requirements and support project delivery.
Raise, manage, and track purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company procedures.
Coordinate and monitor deliveries to ensure materials are supplied on time and in accordance with project programmes.
Resolve supply chain issues, shortages, and delivery challenges efficiently and proactively.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and supply chain optimisation.
Maintain accurate procurement records and reporting for management and project teams.
Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, health and safety standards, and relevant industry regulations.

Skills & Experience

Proven experience as a Buyer within groundworks, civil engineering, infrastructure, utilities, or the wider construction sector.
Strong knowledge of civil engineering and groundworks materials, suppliers, and procurement processes.
Demonstrable experience negotiating with suppliers and securing commercially advantageous agreements.
Ability to manage multiple projects and procurement schedules simultaneously.
Strong commercial awareness with a focus on cost management and value engineering.
Experience using procurement, ERP, or commercial management systems (e.g. Evolution M or similar) would be advantageous.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and general IT systems.
Full UK Driving Licence desirable.

What's Offered

Competitive salary package (negotiable subject to experience).
Opportunity to join a well-established and growing business within the groundworks and civil engineering sector.
Long-term career development and progression opportunities.
Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Ongoing professional development and industry training.
Annual leave entitlement plus public holidays.
Company pension scheme and additional benefits package (where applicable)