Senior Buyer
CV-LibraryIpswichpermanentPosted: 13 October 2026
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Senior Buyer Opportunity with the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), Supporting Sizewell C
As part of the CWA (Civil Works Alliance), you will support the building of Sizewell C. Sizewell C will be a 3.2-gigawatt power station generating low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and will play a key role in our energy future, supplying reliable, clean electricity for at least 60 years. This role will be within the CWA Wide Section.
What will you do?
The role will be primarily accountable for the management of the end-to-end procurement activities for the sourcing of subcontract and materials. Activities will include compiling procurement strategies, preparation of RFQs/ITTs, the management and evaluation of returns, and making sourcing recommendations to award contracts.
Principal Accountabilities, Activities and Decisions
Development and delivery of procurement strategies for project wide and / or high value packages
Implementation of procurement strategies and processes
Carrying out the procurement process for complex packages in accordance with procurement and supply chain management strategies and established project governance
Leading the co-ordination of the commercial and technical reviews of tender returns through engagement with other specialist functions (i.e. HSE, technical compliance, quality, commercial, construction, planning, contractual services/ legal, logistics, industrial relations etc), as appropriate
Closely working with commercial teams in contract negotiation and carrying out commercial and past performance checks for suppliers
Robust and complete recommendations for formal award approval(s)
Drafting, issue and execution of contracts, in accordance with project procurement guidelines and governance
The development of the project supplier database linked to CompeteFor – include market assessments, track effectiveness of engagement, prequalification status, and bid support performance
The development of local, diverse and SME engagement strategies and assist in hosting Meet the Buyer Events and community advertising
Support the development of the Local Sustainable Procurement Plan through liaison with Parent Company and Client experts
Apply an ethical and consistent approach to the responsible procurement of goods and services to ensuring compliance with professional standards current legislation and nuclear regulations
Demonstrate an understanding of procurement and commercial principles
Supply chain performance management and reporting
Ensure a relentless focus on Zero Harm.
What are we looking for?
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
Negotiation
Legal & contracting law
Supplier relationship management
Risk & opportunity management
Project procurement strategy
Supply chain planning & logistics
Product knowledge
Desirable
Project management
Nuclear culture / behaviours
Commercial & business acumen
Client & stakeholder management
People management
Social sustainability
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
Substantial experience of complex procurement processes within a construction or major projects related environment
Experience in design and delivery of category and/or procurement package strategies to a high and consistent level
Starter finisher with a high attention to detail, ability to adopt and learn at a phase, clearly and consistently articulate and update agreed strategy
Proven track record in managing supplier relationships, negotiation and process compliance
Excellent analytical skills, strong 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.
Desirable
Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply working towards chartership (MCIPS) or with another construction focused Institute (i.e., CIOB or RICS)
Working towards industry qualification obtained - Diploma Level 4, or HNC in Building Studies, or Degree qualification.
What we will offer you?
The CWA is a single delivery organisation made of up of the client (Sizewell C) and three parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues and Laing O'Rourke - which offer industry leading packages including market leading salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, pension scheme and other flexible benefits.
About Us
The CWA celebrates the creativity and innovation that comes from a diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds — especially those from under‑represented communities. Our project is built on five core values: Humility, Positivity, Respect, Solidarity, and Clarity.
By joining us, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, speak up, and share your ideas. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. If you decide to apply, please avoid including sensitive personal data in your CV
Senior Buyer Opportunity with the Civil Works Alliance (CWA), Supporting Sizewell C
As part of the CWA (Civil Works Alliance), you will support the building of Sizewell C. Sizewell C will be a 3.2-gigawatt power station generating low-carbon electricity for around 6 million homes and will play a key role in our energy future, supplying reliable, clean electricity for at least 60 years. This role will be within the CWA Wide Section.
What will you do?
The role will be primarily accountable for the management of the end-to-end procurement activities for the sourcing of subcontract and materials. Activities will include compiling procurement strategies, preparation of RFQs/ITTs, the management and evaluation of returns, and making sourcing recommendations to award contracts.
Principal Accountabilities, Activities and Decisions
Development and delivery of procurement strategies for project wide and / or high value packages
Implementation of procurement strategies and processes
Carrying out the procurement process for complex packages in accordance with procurement and supply chain management strategies and established project governance
Leading the co-ordination of the commercial and technical reviews of tender returns through engagement with other specialist functions (i.e. HSE, technical compliance, quality, commercial, construction, planning, contractual services/ legal, logistics, industrial relations etc), as appropriate
Closely working with commercial teams in contract negotiation and carrying out commercial and past performance checks for suppliers
Robust and complete recommendations for formal award approval(s)
Drafting, issue and execution of contracts, in accordance with project procurement guidelines and governance
The development of the project supplier database linked to CompeteFor – include market assessments, track effectiveness of engagement, prequalification status, and bid support performance
The development of local, diverse and SME engagement strategies and assist in hosting Meet the Buyer Events and community advertising
Support the development of the Local Sustainable Procurement Plan through liaison with Parent Company and Client experts
Apply an ethical and consistent approach to the responsible procurement of goods and services to ensuring compliance with professional standards current legislation and nuclear regulations
Demonstrate an understanding of procurement and commercial principles
Supply chain performance management and reporting
Ensure a relentless focus on Zero Harm.
What are we looking for?
Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Knowledge & Skills
Essential
Negotiation
Legal & contracting law
Supplier relationship management
Risk & opportunity management
Project procurement strategy
Supply chain planning & logistics
Product knowledge
Desirable
Project management
Nuclear culture / behaviours
Commercial & business acumen
Client & stakeholder management
People management
Social sustainability
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
Substantial experience of complex procurement processes within a construction or major projects related environment
Experience in design and delivery of category and/or procurement package strategies to a high and consistent level
Starter finisher with a high attention to detail, ability to adopt and learn at a phase, clearly and consistently articulate and update agreed strategy
Proven track record in managing supplier relationships, negotiation and process compliance
Excellent analytical skills, strong 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.
Desirable
Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply working towards chartership (MCIPS) or with another construction focused Institute (i.e., CIOB or RICS)
Working towards industry qualification obtained - Diploma Level 4, or HNC in Building Studies, or Degree qualification.
What we will offer you?
The CWA is a single delivery organisation made of up of the client (Sizewell C) and three parent companies - Balfour Beatty, Bouygues and Laing O'Rourke - which offer industry leading packages including market leading salaries, generous annual leave entitlements, pension scheme and other flexible benefits.
About Us
The CWA celebrates the creativity and innovation that comes from a diverse workforce, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds — especially those from under‑represented communities. Our project is built on five core values: Humility, Positivity, Respect, Solidarity, and Clarity.
By joining us, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work, speak up, and share your ideas. We encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
We are committed to protecting your privacy. If you decide to apply, please avoid including sensitive personal data in your CV