Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in purchasing materials for housing projects and manage inventory.
- Company: Join a leading affordable housing developer focused on community impact and sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for skill development.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team making a real difference in local communities.
- Qualifications: Strong negotiation skills, attention to detail, and some experience in procurement preferred.
- Other info: This role is full-time and based in Greater Manchester.
Our client is a leading affordable housing developer in the North West, specializing in the creation of homes for private sale and rent. They are committed to building vibrant communities and developing spaces that promote sustainable living and business growth. With a strong focus on community impact and environmental responsibility, they are a key player in the regional housing sector.
Our client is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join their growing team in Greater Manchester. This is a full-time, on-site role where the Assistant Buyer will be responsible for assisting with the purchasing of materials, products, and services required for their housing projects. You will collaborate closely with suppliers, maintain inventory, track shipments, and ensure timely delivery of goods to support project timelines.
Responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the procurement of materials, products, and services required for construction and development projects
- Managing and maintaining accurate inventory records
- Liaising with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of goods
- Monitoring and tracking shipments to ensure timely receipt of materials
- Maintaining positive relationships with vendors and negotiating terms and prices
- Supporting the senior purchasing team in evaluating supplier performance and cost management
- Assisting in the preparation of purchase orders and ensuring compliance with company policies
- Coordinating with other departments to ensure smooth workflow and on-time project delivery
- Managing and resolving any issues related to supply chain and product deliveries
- Keeping up-to-date with market trends and suppliers to identify cost-saving opportunities
What you will need to succeed:
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
- Solid understanding of procurement processes and inventory management
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel
- Previous experience in purchasing or procurement roles
- Knowledge of construction materials and suppliers is an advantage
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and a team-oriented mindset
What you get in return:
In return, you will be offered a competitive salary ranging from 30,000 to 38,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package. This is an exciting opportunity to join a respected company in the affordable housing sector, with the chance to grow and develop your skills. You will be part of a supportive and collaborative team that values innovation and efficiency. Furthermore, you will be contributing to impactful community projects that make a real difference to local lives.
If you are interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist Mark Harris, or apply with your CV.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
Assistant Buyer employer: Building Careers UK
Contact Detail:
Building Careers UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the local housing market in Greater Manchester. Understanding the key players, trends, and challenges in the affordable housing sector will give you an edge during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction and procurement fields. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest developments in procurement processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills. Since the role involves liaising with suppliers and negotiating terms, consider taking a short course or reading up on effective negotiation strategies to showcase your readiness for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest construction materials and suppliers. Researching current trends and innovations in the industry will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your proactive approach to potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in purchasing or procurement roles. Emphasise your negotiation skills, attention to detail, and any familiarity with construction materials, as these are key for the Assistant Buyer position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the affordable housing sector and your understanding of the company's commitment to community impact. Mention specific examples of how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, and any experience you have with inventory management. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the tasks required for the role.
Showcase Problem-Solving Abilities: Provide examples in your application of how you've proactively solved problems in previous roles. This is important for demonstrating your ability to manage supply chain issues and maintain positive vendor relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Building Careers UK
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As an Assistant Buyer, strong negotiation skills are crucial. Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms or prices with suppliers. This will demonstrate your capability to handle vendor relationships effectively.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Highlight your organisational skills and attention to detail during the interview. You might want to discuss how you've managed inventory records or tracked shipments in previous roles, as this is key for the position.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Market Trends
Research current market trends related to construction materials and suppliers. Being knowledgeable about cost-saving opportunities will impress the interviewers and show your proactive approach to the role.
✨Prepare for Team Collaboration Questions
Since the role involves coordinating with various departments, be ready to discuss your experience working in a team-oriented environment. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to successful project deliveries in the past.
