Assistant Buyer – Highways in Southampton

Assistant Buyer – Highways in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 54000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Assist in procurement for highways maintenance and public realm contracts.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on sustainability and innovation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse work environment, and opportunities for growth.
  • Other info: We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working with dynamic teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.

Role Purpose

Assisting end-to-end procurement activities for subcontracts, materials, plant, and equipment across highways maintenance and public realm contracts.

The role is hands-on and commercially focused, working closely with operational, commercial, technical, and supply chain teams to achieve best value, manage suppliers, and drive continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assistant end-to-end procurement activities, including RFIs, RFQs and ITTs.
  • Evaluate tenders and prepare sourcing and award recommendations.
  • Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, and contractual conditions.
  • Identify cost savings, cost avoidance, and value-for-money opportunities.
  • Develop and maintain procurement schedules and sourcing plans.
  • Carry out supplier due diligence and financial/commercial checks.
  • Raise purchase orders and manage procurement processes in line with governance.
  • Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement plans.
  • Develop relationships with existing and new suppliers.
  • Monitor market conditions, supplier capacity, pricing, risks, and opportunities.
  • Produce procurement reports, dashboards, and management information.
  • Work collaboratively with commercial, operational, technical, and HSEQS teams.
  • Support sustainability, environmental, D&I, innovation, and Zero Harm objectives.

Experience & Skills

  • Experience in end-to-end procurement and supplier management.
  • Experience negotiating commercial and contractual terms.
  • Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Good understanding of commercial and financial risks.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
  • Ability to manage competing priorities and meet project deadlines.
  • Strong customer and stakeholder focus.
  • ERP/e-procurement experience, such as Oracle or Jaggaer, is advantageous.
  • Construction/civils experience is desirable but not essential; relevant procurement experience from other sectors will be considered.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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Assistant Buyer – Highways in Southampton employer: Advance Training & Recruitment Services

Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises flexibility and professional development, making it an excellent employer for those in the Signalling Functional Tester role. With a competitive salary and a tailored benefits package, employees enjoy a supportive and inclusive team culture that fosters career progression and personal growth. This UK-wide opportunity allows for site-based work with flexible options, ensuring a work-life balance that suits your lifestyle.

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Contact Details:

Advance Training & Recruitment Services Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer – Highways in Southampton

✨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 Advance Training & Recruitment Services.

✨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 Assistant Buyer – Highways in Southampton

End-to-End Procurement
Supplier Management
Negotiation Skills
Cost Savings Identification
Procurement Scheduling
Supplier Due Diligence
Purchase Order Management

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 Advance Training & Recruitment Services:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Advance Training & Recruitment Services. 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 Advance Training & Recruitment Services.

How to prepare for a job interview at Advance Training & Recruitment Services

✨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 Advance Training & Recruitment Services!

✨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 Advance Training & Recruitment Services. 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 Advance Training & Recruitment Services's culture.