Buyer

Job description

Rolls‑Royce SMR is on a mission to deliver clean, affordable energy for all. As the UK’s leading Small Modular Reactor programme, we’re building a British solution to a global energy challenge and shaping one of the country’s most significant green export opportunities. Our Procurement function is foundational to delivering our first SMR and enabling future fleet deployment. Within this, the Siteworks and Operations category plays a critical role—supporting major construction activity, civils delivery, site readiness and operational logistics essential to enabling a fast‑growing, engineering‑led programme. To support this, we are recruiting a Buyer to run sourcing activity, manage purchase orders and support supplier engagement across a diverse, high‑value and operationally critical portfolio. Reporting into the Procurement Manager, this role will support the creation of commercial strategies, deliver procurement activity and help build a scalable, efficient supply base across siteworks, civils and operational categories. What you’ll be doing Support sourcing and category activity across siteworks, civils and operations spend areas, ensuring delivery against cost, quality and schedule requirements. Run end‑to‑end procurement activities including RFQs/RFPs, evaluations, negotiation preparation, contract placement and supplier onboarding. Support the development of the supply base—identifying opportunities for cost efficiency, delivery improvement and supplier optimisation across construction and operational services. Work closely with stakeholders across Programme Delivery, Engineering and Operations to ensure early engagement and accurate requirements capture for major projects. Assist in implementing category strategies that drive standardisation, value for money and improved risk management across siteworks and logistics contracts. Analyse commercial, technical and market data to support recommendations and decision‑making. Maintain high standards of governance, compliance and documentation throughout the procurement lifecycle. Contribute to continuous improvement across processes, reporting, supplier performance management and contract frameworks. This is a key role supporting operational readiness and large‑scale project delivery. What you’ll bring Experience in procurement within civils, siteworks or large‑scale construction projects. Exposure to significant or complex project environments, ideally within regulated or engineering‑led sectors (e.g., energy, nuclear, infrastructure, rail, construction). Experience supporting siteworks delivery and operational procurement, including logistics and project‑based requirements. Understanding of collaborative working arrangements and construction contracts, with exposure to negotiation processes. Strong commercial awareness with experience running competitive tenders and supporting supplier negotiations. Confidence working with technical specifications, cost breakdowns and supplier performance data. Excellent stakeholder engagement skills, able to work effectively with operational, technical and commercial teams. MCIPS (or working towards) is desirable but not essential. Location & Ways of Working This role can be based from our Manchester (or Warrington) office. Hybrid working is standard, with regular weekly office attendance expected. Some travel may be required depending on supplier and business activity. What’s in it for you? Salary: £31,875 – £39,375 depending on experience and benefits include: 7% performance‑related bonus Benefits Allowance – £2,200 to build a personalised package Pension – 12% employer, 6% employee Holidays – 28 days + public holidays (option to buy/sell up to 4 days) Private Medical Insurance – BUPA Life Assurance – 6× pensionable pay £250 one‑off home‑office setup payment You’ll join a forward‑thinking, inclusive and innovative organisation offering: A flexible and supportive working environment Opportunities for career progression and professional development A culture that values diversity, innovation and continuous learning Pay Range: £30,000.00 - £39,375.00 Why Join Us? You’ll be joining a forward-thinking organisation that values transparency, fairness, and innovation. We offer: • A flexible, inclusive, and supportive working environment. • Opportunities for career growth in a rapidly scaling business. • A culture that values diversity, innovation, and continuous learning. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Inclusivity is important to us, and as a Disability Confident organisation, we are committed to fair, supportive, and continually improving recruitment practices that ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Confidence can sometimes hold us back from applying for a job. But we'll let you in on a secret: there's no such thing as a 'perfect' candidate. If you feel you meet 75% of the requirements for this role, we would love to hear from you. Also, if you are considering a career move or a sector-jump, please get in touch – we welcome applications from people with transferable skills. Our Application Process Due to the safety regulations within the nuclear industry, applicants will be required to participate in additional screening. These are: • Obtaining Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance • Satisfactory completion of a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check • Satisfactory completion of a basic financial probity check #LI-hybrid