Senior Buyer

About the role

Our innovative thinking shapes our industry; equipping the world for tomorrow’s challenges.

Join our Highways team as a Senior Buyer and you can contribute to tangible, worthwhile work you can be proud of!

This role is supporting the A57 project and is currently based out of our Warrington Office. A presence will be required on site to the east of Manchester to deliver the  project, therefore travel twill be expected between Warrington and Manchester. 

We can be flexible on base location. 

What you'll be doing

As a Senior Buyer, you will have the following accountabilities:

Producing procurement package category strategies;
Sourcing the market;
Carrying out due diligence and commercial checks for supply partners;
Preparation of invitation to tenders and requests for quotations for subcontract, materials and service requirements;
Manage the complete full evaluation of tender responses and compile award recommendations for approval;
Ensure that Contract requirements are met and high quality, value for money contracts are negotiated to deliver efficiencies and saving targets;
Establish long term relationships with the supply chain focusing on value for money, service, product quality and continuous improvement to drive competitive advantage for Balfour Beatty;
Liaise with the Contract team to assist with the resolution of supply issues as and when required;
Manage supply chain performance and provide regular reports to include performance development plans as required;
Monitor the supply market to identify potential new suppliers and products and lead meetings with suppliers to understand their products;
Understand the supplier market, keeping abreast of market developments, demand trends and risks;
Work cross-functionally with all departments to drive and deliver HSEQ+S principles and commercial objectives;
Ensure strict compliance with processes and procedures and ensure quality standards are maintained;
Focus on exceeding minimum service expectations by delivering an agile, value adding service with a deep understanding of the customer’s requirements, technical competence, functional knowledge and process efficiency;
Establish performance led, long term supplier relationships focusing on value for money, service & product quality, social value and continuous improvement to drive competitive advantage for the Contract;
Support the delivery of Business and Group safety and sustainability activities;
Support the development of Supply Chain Partners;
Support associated supply chain engagement events;

Who we're looking for

The following experience/qualifications are required:-

Previous senior level experience of Procurement and Supply Chain Management processes within a construction, or a related sector;
Experience in subcontract procurement is desirable
Organised and an understanding of procurement compliance, commercial awareness, a measured approach to decision making, and the ability to ensure best value procurement;
The ability to adopt a pragmatic, yet disciplined approach to process compliance
Experience of Oracle R12 would be an advantage;
MCIPS or equivalent preferred
Well-developed negotiation skills are essential, along with experience of running tenders and negotiating complex deals of high value/ business impact, with a track record of delivering value
Strong communication, interpersonal and influencing skills
Results orientated with the ability to plan and deliver against bid / project milestones
Analytical, numerically astute with well-developed problem-solving abilities
Working knowledge of NEC contract desirable
Aware of commercial and financial risks and how to manage them
Robust problem-solving skills and ability to use own initiative to identify areas of improvement and propose solutions
Highly customer focused and desire to meet and exceeding customer expectations

Why work for us

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Why join us?

As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. You’ll have the freedom to shape the package that’s right for you and your life. Here are some of our key benefits:

- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.

- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)

- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave

- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…

About us

Balfour Beatty’s Highways business delivers major schemes including motorway upgrade programmes, complex national infrastructure projects and regional investment programme works for National Highways. We have a strong orderbook and a positive pipeline of opportunities, we put the road user, at the heart of everything we do. We work safely, reduce carbon emissions and added social value to the communities within which we work.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit 

We are a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit: 

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at