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- Tasks: Join our team as a Buyer, managing procurement and supplier relationships in construction.
- Company: Criterion Capital is a dynamic developer transforming properties into residential and hotel spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while honing your negotiation and financial skills in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in construction buying; relevant qualifications are a plus but not essential.
- Other info: A proactive mindset and excellent communication skills are key to thriving in this role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Piccadilly Construction, our in-house Construction Management Team, is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Buyer/Senior Buyer to assist with the purchasing and procurement. This role requires someone to assist the Procurement Manager in the buying arrangements in respect of our construction and maintenance activities.
- Negotiate the best possible supply chain arrangements with key materials suppliers.
- Develop long-term strategic relationships with suppliers to ensure economies of scale are maximized.
- Schedule and place material and plant orders optimizing cost and quality.
- Check Architects/Engineers drawings for discrepancies and compliance with the required material specification, resolving any queries with the relevant consultants/architects team.
- Produce material cost schedules and budgets for new projects and monitor material costs to ensure budgets are not exceeded.
- Produce schedules for material enquiries, sending to suppliers for costing and assessing quotations and suppliers' schedules to ensure they are correct.
- Project and report material cost increases as they arise.
- Resolve invoice queries with the accounts team.
- Carry out material on-site checks and produce reports as required.
- Attend sites frequently to ensure there are no problems with supplies/materials.
- Negotiate arrangements with suppliers and raise orders for the wider business as required including for property maintenance, sales and marketing where value may be added from strategic procurement.
- Maintain effective relationships to ensure the successful delivery of projects with all relevant stakeholders including contractors and suppliers, in-house teams, consultants and specialist advisors as required.
- Other duties as required by the employer.
About You:
- A demonstrable understanding of construction industry procurement.
- Knowledge of how to deliver an effective buying function in the construction industry.
- A good understanding of the materials supply chain.
- A ‘can-do’ attitude with a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
- A pro-active, positive thinking, commercially minded approach with the ability to work at pace.
- Excellent financial and numerical skills including budget and cashflow management.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
- Good communication skills (written, oral).
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
- Ability to control and manage costs.
- A minimum of 2 years experience of buying within a construction business.
- A relevant qualification is desirable but not essential.
Criterion Capital is an entrepreneurial hands-on developer and asset manager of Residential, Hotel, and Commercial properties. We have a vertically integrated platform of sector specialists that convert end of life buildings to residential and hotel uses.
Contact Detail:
Criterion Capital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the construction supply chain. Understanding how materials flow from suppliers to projects will give you an edge in negotiations and help you build strong relationships with key suppliers.
✨Tip Number 2
Network within the construction industry. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Building a solid network can lead to valuable insights and potential job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends and material costs. Being knowledgeable about current pricing and availability will not only help you negotiate better deals but also demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for practical scenarios in interviews. Be ready to discuss how you would handle specific procurement challenges or negotiate with suppliers. This will showcase your problem-solving skills and your proactive approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and buying within the construction industry. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any specific projects where you've successfully managed supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how your proactive approach has led to successful outcomes in previous positions, particularly in managing costs and supplier negotiations.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your financial and numerical skills, as well as your ability to manage budgets and cash flow. Use concrete examples to demonstrate how you've applied these skills in past roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Buyer role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Criterion Capital
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you have a solid understanding of procurement processes specific to the construction industry. Brush up on key terms and concepts, as well as the latest trends in material sourcing and supply chain management.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've successfully conducted. Be ready to discuss your approach to securing the best deals with suppliers and how you handle conflicts or discrepancies in contracts.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and cost control. Highlight any tools or methods you use to monitor material costs and ensure projects stay within budget.
✨Emphasise Communication and Relationship Building
Since this role involves liaising with various stakeholders, be ready to talk about how you build and maintain relationships with suppliers, contractors, and internal teams. Share examples of how effective communication has led to successful project outcomes.
