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- Tasks: Assist in sourcing and purchasing materials for various projects.
- Company: Join Barhale, a leading civil engineering firm with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a family-oriented company that values its people and fosters long-term relationships.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are key!
- Other info: Work with a diverse team on exciting infrastructure projects across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 ÂŁ per year.
Who are Barhale
Barhale is a business founded on family values having been established by our Chairman Dennis Curran in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK with over 40 years of experience in providing design civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors including :
- Water
- Transport
- Built environment
- Energy
We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip regulated and private clients working as part of large frameworks joint ventures and alliances as well as on individual standalone projects developing long-term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985.
Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore we robustly source train and retain all our frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1200 employees nationwide.
We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities including :
- Tunnelling
- MEICA
- Temporary and permanent design
- Steel‑fabrication
- Signs (design and fabrication)
- Health & safety equipment and products including PPE
Company Website : Showcase Video :
join Barhale
- As Gold Investors in People we are committed to a high standard of people practices creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to our business strategy ethos and philosophies.
- Job security long‑term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes
- A broad range of civil engineering and mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UKs largest infrastructure projects and clients
- Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within as we believe this is a key driver to our success
- Skills Development and Training
Assistant Buyer
The Role
As an assistant buyer you will be responsible for providing our nationwide delivery teams with a company‑compliant professional material supply service whilst working with and supporting other business needs.
You will be communicating with internal business units external suppliers trade bodies and associations to achieve the best value on goods and services whilst being mindful of where materials are coming from within the supply chain and ensuring the company continues to source ethically and sustainably.
The successful candidate will be joining a team which is at the forefront of developing the companys Social Impact and Sustainability objectives giving you a great opportunity to play a key role in enforcing those goals.
Key Responsibilities
- Procuring construction materials and related services across all operational sectors.
- Carrying out supplier selection evaluating quotations and negotiating prices and logistics.
- Proactively identifying market trends product and industry developments and supply chain innovations through the engagement of external partners leading as directed by the Procurement Manager on any specific commodity or category.
- Providing commercial assistance on the contracts you are procuring for.
- Liaising with sites and supply chain partners developing relationships to ensure a planned right‑first‑time service is provided regarding safety quality programme commercial aspects and overall best value.
- Working with and supporting internal business needs regarding commercial and product awareness at all stages of the construction process ensuring that we jointly deliver major programme requirements.
- Ensuring continuous communication with other team members to review contract progress and address associated issues immediately.
- Maintaining full knowledge and understanding of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure a professional and auditable procurement contract is in place.
Accountabilities
- Operating within financial governance levels
- Managing work priorities and maximising efficiencies
- Maintaining positive supplier relationships
- Adherence to procurement procedures
Administrative responsibilities
- Maintenance and upkeep of order and supply chain records utilising the companys purchase order system and procedures.
- Providing reports data and other material identified by the Procurement Manager relating to the department and whole business requirements including KPIs.
- Submitting detailed analysis to procurement and project teams for approval in line with governance.
Key measures & targets
- To provide evidence of best value regarding procurement which may include commercial betterment quality and efficiency.
- To evidence supply chain engagement including performance management under company objectives.
Key relationships
- Procurement Manager / Supply Chain Manager / Senior Buyer / External Hire Desk Manager and all levels of procurement personnel in both the central and regional teams
- All internal departments including site operations HSEQ estimating accounts and business development.
- External supply chain partners
Essential
- Relevant experience in a similar role ideally within the Rail or construction / engineering industry
- Experienced negotiator with the ability to establish long‑term relationships and an engaged collaborative supply chain
- Demonstrable commercial awareness with the ability to control and monitor budgets
- Finely tuned communication skills regarding engaging with external and internal parties including a confident and professional telephone manner
- Excellent computer literacy with experience using Microsoft Office packages
- In‑house purchasing systems.
- Ability to cope with a demanding fast‑paced environment ensuring deadlines are met
- Ability to make decisions using own initiative and work as part of a team
Desirable
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS
- Relevant degree or equivalent / or qualified by experience (QBE)
- A full UK driving licence
Caring and investing in you
Our values have been embedded at Barhale for over 40 years and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people‑centric company.
As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them.
From the moment you join us your well‑being and career aspirations will be supported by;
- Competitive salary
- Company Pension
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical
- Profit share scheme
- 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days
- 8 hours leave of absence for volunteering
- Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental physiological and financial wellbeing
- Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice
- Company car / green car scheme / car allowance / Van (dependent on position)
- Leadership & management training and coaching
- Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression
- Development supported by internal and externally delivered training
- Continuous service awards
Would you like to know more
Please contact our Recruitment team via
Key Skills
Microsoft Office,Purchasing,Organizational skills,AS400,Math,Pricing,Analysis Skills,Merchandising,Microsoft Excel,Retail Math,Administrative Experience,negotiation
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Assistant Buyer employer: Barhale
Contact Detail:
Barhale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Barhale's core values and mission. Understanding their commitment to family values and long-term relationships will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the specific sectors Barhale operates in, such as water and energy. Being knowledgeable about current trends and challenges in these areas can give you an edge when discussing your potential contributions.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Barhale on platforms like LinkedIn. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and what they look for in an Assistant Buyer.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with sourcing and supplier management, as these are crucial skills for an Assistant Buyer. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in these areas.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand Barhale's Values: Familiarise yourself with Barhale's family values and their commitment to civil engineering and infrastructure. Reflect these values in your application to show alignment with the company's culture.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and skills that match the Assistant Buyer role. Emphasise any previous procurement or buying experience, especially in civil engineering or related sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or values of Barhale that resonate with you.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for an Assistant Buyer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barhale
✨Research Barhale's Values
Before your interview, take some time to understand Barhale's core values and how they shape the company's operations. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, as this will demonstrate your fit within their culture.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
As an Assistant Buyer, you'll need to highlight any previous experience in procurement or supply chain management. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts in the past.
✨Understand the Industry
Familiarise yourself with the civil engineering and infrastructure sectors, particularly the challenges and trends affecting them. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how Barhale supports employee development. This shows your enthusiasm for the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
