Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer – Civil Works Alliance

Location: London/Ipswich with Hybrid Working (3 days in the office, 2 days from home)   

Join the exciting journey of one of the UK's largest nuclear projects at Sizewell C!

We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to manage the full procurement process for subcontractors and materials within the Civil Works Alliance. You will be responsible for developing procurement strategies, preparing and issuing RFQs/ITTs, managing and evaluating supplier responses, and making recommendations to award contracts. This role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a focus on delivering cost-effective and timely sourcing solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies for project-wide and high-value packages, managing the end-to-end procurement process for complex sourcing activities in line with project governance.
• Lead the coordination of commercial and technical tender reviews by engaging with specialist teams (HSE, quality, legal, commercial, construction, planning, logistics, etc.) and support contract negotiations including supplier performance checks.
• Prepare comprehensive recommendations for contract awards and oversee contract drafting, issuing, and execution following procurement guidelines.
• Maintain and develop the project supplier database (linked to CompeteFor), including market assessments, supplier prequalification, and bid support tracking.
• Drive local, diverse, and SME engagement strategies, supporting Meet the Buyer events, community advertising, and sustainable procurement initiatives in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with ethical standards, legislation, nuclear regulations, and professional procurement principles.
• Monitor, manage, and report on supply chain performance, maintaining a strong focus on Zero Harm and safety

What skills & experience are we looking for?

Essential:

• Negotiation
• Legal & contracting law
• Supplier relationship management
• Risk & opportunity management
• Project procurement strategy
• Supply chain planning & logistics
• Product knowledge

Essential:

• Significant experience in complex procurement within construction or major projects
• Proven ability to design and deliver category or procurement package strategies
• Strong attention to detail and clear communication skills
• Track record in supplier management, negotiation, and process compliance
• Analytical skills, commercial awareness, and disciplined approach to compliance

Desirable:

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) or similar (CIOB, RICS)
• Working towards or holding industry qualification such as Diploma Level 4, HNC, or Degree

Why SZC?

This is your chance to contribute to one of the UK's most ambitious infrastructure projects, shaping the future of energy while working in a supportive, dynamic environment. Be part of a team that values innovation, safety, and sustainability at every stage of the journey—from investment to construction and beyond.

About Laing O'Rourke

We are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term health conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know prior to interview what adjustments are required as well as discussing how we can support you in the workplace.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email resourcingteam@laingorourke.com

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