At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement strategies and ensure timely material orders for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join a leading M&E Contractor known for large-scale residential and hotel developments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible holiday scheme, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and employee ownership.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain management is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
1st Step Solutions are supporting a M&E Contractor who have an opportunity for a Buyer on a permanent basis based in Northampton. Our client specialises in large scale residential, student accommodation and hotel projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the management of our site procurement strategy trackers for the projects assigned.
- Promote efficient and professional impression of the business externally.
- Promote and adhere to the procurement business process.
- Provide feedback to the estimating team where required.
- Provide accurate information for reporting and KPI’s.
- Communicate on lessons learnt (both positive and negative aspects) on projects and in the day-to-day activity within the business.
- Better buy against the targets set within our project CVRs (cost value report).
- Support material management audits on site where required.
- Manage call-off commodity material order with the operations team.
- Ensure all material orders are placed in a timely manner in line with the dates detailed within the Procurement trackers for projects.
- Input orders onto the IT system (Cyberqube) and issue to relevant suppliers and site teams.
- Assist the aftercare team when required.
- Manage meetings with Supply chain partners.
- Expedite documentation, invoices and information from the supply chain.
- Expedite and chase overdue materials when required.
- Assist in the smooth running of the Procurement department.
- Communicate and liaise with site to establish best buying practices.
On Offer:
- Competitive salary
- 25 days annual leave (increasing to 30 days with service), plus bank holidays
- Company car scheme
- Private healthcare and life insurance
- Pension scheme with 5.5% employer contribution
- Enhanced maternity and adoption pay: 13 weeks full pay followed by 26 weeks SMP
- Enhanced paternity pay: 2 weeks full pay, available consecutively or flexibly
- Employee-owned business structure
- Flexible holiday scheme
Buyer in Northampton employer: 1st Step
1st Step Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Northampton where you can thrive as a Buyer. With a strong focus on employee growth and well-being, we provide competitive salaries, generous annual leave that increases with service, and a range of benefits including private healthcare and a robust pension scheme. Our collaborative culture encourages professional development and innovation, making it a rewarding place to contribute to large-scale projects in the residential and hospitality sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Northampton
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like 1st Step.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to 1st Step:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to 1st Step. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like 1st Step.
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Step
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at 1st Step!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at 1st Step. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into 1st Step's culture.
