Scope of Role:

As a senior buyer, you’ll manage the procurement of materials, equipment and services for assigned Projects both domestically and international, ensuring that you are optimising the cost, quality, and service. The role involves strategic sourcing, vendor negotiation, cost control, and ensuring timely delivery of materials to support project schedules. The Senior Buyer works closely with project managers, site teams, and commercial team to ensure procurement aligns with technical requirements, budgets, and company standards.

Key Responsibilities of the Role:

Develop and implement procurement strategies for multiple construction projects both domestically and international.
Source, evaluate, and negotiate with suppliers to secure competitive pricing and favourable terms, leveraging volume discounts and long-term partnerships.
Prepare and issue RFQs, tender packages, and purchase orders.
Work closely with project managers, quantity surveyors, and site teams to forecast material needs.
Manage procurement schedules to support project timelines and mitigate delays.
Write Procurement Project Execution Plans.
Monitor market trends, material availability, and supply chain risks.
Ensure compliance with company procurement processes and relevant regulations.
Resolve supplier issues, delivery discrepancies, and quality concerns promptly.
Ensure materials / services are procured on time and within the budget confinements.
Assist in the reallocation or disposal of excess materials.
Maintain accurate procurement records, cost tracking, and reporting.
Support the development of junior buying staff when applicable.
Identify new supplier sources and recommend new sourcing strategies in assigned area.
Build and maintain strong supplier relationships and conduct regular performance evaluations.
Co-ordinate the logistics of goods and/services where required for assigned projects.
Assist in proposals support when required.
Perform other duties as assigned by Line Manager.

Required Skills and Competencies

Business Acumen
Follow-up
Information Monitoring
Maintaining performance under pressure
Negotiation
Organizational Awareness
Planning and Organizing

Essential Criteria

Must have construction Buying experience.
Experience in a similar role within an engineering or construction company.
Excellent understanding of construction materials, suppliers, and subcontractors.
Strong negotiation and communication skills.
Commercial awareness and cost-management capability.
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
Strong organization and time-management skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in procurement software and MS Office.
Expected to work with only general supervision.
Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, and resilience – being able to adjust positively to situations that involve changing tasks and/or location, shifting priorities or ambiguity.

Experience and Qualifications

5 - 7 years' experience in procurement, ideally within the construction and engineering sector.
Proven track record of managing procurement for large-scale and multiple concurrent projects.
Professional qualification (e.g., CIPS) or similar qualification.

Why join Designer Group?

This is an opportunity to join a growing international engineering business with a strong project pipeline and a clear commitment to safe delivery.

You will be joining a team where health and safety has real visibility, where your input will directly influence site standards, and where you will work across varied, technically interesting M&E projects.

At Designer Group, we invest in our people, support professional development and offer the opportunity to build a long-term career within a business that continues to grow across the UK and Europe.

Application process

Apply today and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch with shortlisted candidates.

Designer Group is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation or background.

Senior Buyer (Mechanical or Electrical)

Benefits

Job Description