About Wright Engineering
Established in 1986, Wright Engineering has grown into one of the UK’s leading providers of complex engineering and construction solutions. With decades of experience delivering small to large‑scale mechanical engineering projects across sectors including building products, aggregates, energy, recycling, utilities and more, the company has earned a reputation for taking on—and successfully delivering—the most challenging assignments.
Built on a culture where “we do difficult” is more than a motto, Wright Engineering combines deep technical expertise, in‑house design and fabrication capability, and a truly multi‑skilled workforce to deliver turnkey solutions from concept through to completion. Its commitment to innovation, quality and problem‑solving continues to strengthen its position as the go‑to specialist for demanding engineering projects across the UK
Role Purpose
Wright Engineering is looking for an experienced and commercially minded Senior Project Buyer to support the delivery of complex industrial and engineering projects across the UK and internationally.
This is not a standard purchasing role. You will work closely with both pre-contract and post-contract teams to source supplier and subcontractor quotations, drive value, manage commercial risk and ensure our supply chain meets the technical, quality and accreditation standards expected by Wright Engineering and our end clients.
The role will cover a wide range of procurement, from plant and equipment, accommodation and UK-based subcontract packages through to specialist steelwork, cladding, thermal insulation, installation services and bespoke engineered equipment that forms part of larger integrated systems.
Key Responsibilities
· Supporting estimating, sales and project teams with supplier pricing during tender stages.
· Obtaining, reviewing and comparing quotations from UK and international suppliers.
· Procuring subcontract packages, materials, plant, equipment and specialist services across industrial projects.
· Negotiating pricing, commercial terms and supply agreements to achieve best value without compromising quality or compliance.
· Ensuring suppliers and subcontractors meet the required technical, quality, safety, accreditation and programme requirements.
· Working with project teams to make sure purchased packages are commercially aligned with project budgets and client obligations.
· Reviewing both standard and bespoke terms and conditions, with support from our in-house legal team where required.
· Helping tailor contracts so they are suitable for the package, proportionate to the risk and, where needed, back-to-back with end-client requirements.
· Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships while continuing to challenge the market and improve value.
· Supporting supplier performance reviews and identifying opportunities for improvement across the supply chain.
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
· Experience in procurement, buying or supply chain roles within an engineering, industrial, construction, manufacturing or major projects environment.
· A strong understanding of bespoke contracting and project-based purchasing, rather than only catalogue or repeat production-line procurement.
· Confidence working with purchases ranging from lower-value day-to-day requirements through to packages worth hundreds of thousands or millions of pounds.
· Commercially aware, organised and confident dealing with suppliers, subcontractors, project managers, estimators and technical teams.
· Able to review technical specifications and supplier proposals, ask the right questions and identify commercial or delivery risks.
· Experience negotiating with both UK subcontractors and international suppliers.
· Comfortable working with standard and bespoke contract terms, supported by internal legal advice where required.
· Good attention to detail, strong communication skills and the ability to manage several live packages at once.
· Key is ability to work in a team of experts, adding value in the administration and value side of purchasing, technical and other requirements will be supplied by the wider team. This role is about support those elements ensure commercial terms align protecting all involved and driving best practice ad value.
Desirable
· CIPS qualification, or working towards CIPS, would be beneficial but is not essential.
· Experience with NEC, JCT or bespoke client contract forms would be advantageous.
· Exposure to EPC, process plant, energy, materials handling, heavy engineering or industrial installation projects would be highly relevant.
· Previous procurement experience involving steelwork, cladding, thermal insulation, mechanical installation, specialist access, plant hire or bespoke equipment packages would be useful.
What We Offer
· A varied and important role within a growing engineering business.
· The opportunity to work on technically interesting and commercially significant projects.
· A supportive team environment with direct involvement in both tendering and live project delivery.
· Competitive salary, based on experience.
· Long-term development opportunities within the wider group.
Pay: £55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
