At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and negotiate materials while ensuring quality and budget compliance.
- Company: Join a leading infrastructure company making a difference in communities across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow in a supportive and innovative company culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that shapes resilient infrastructure and improves living spaces.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
United Infrastructure Group is a leading infrastructure, construction, and property services company in the UK.
We help our customers and the communities they serve benefit from resilient infrastructure, affordable homes, and improved living spaces that are fit for the future.
We employ over 1800 people and work with a broad range of public and private sector clients.
We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Junior Buyer to join our supply chain team.
The Junior Buyer will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, goods, and services required by the organization.
This role ensures that procurement activities align with budgetary goals, quality standards, and delivery timelines.
This role will be based from our project offices in Flintshire/Deeside
Key Responsibilities
- Source and evaluate suppliers based on price, quality, service, support, availability, reliability, and selection.
- Issue purchase orders and maintain accurate records of orders and vendor contracts.
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve issues related to delivery, quality, or pricing.
- Collaborate with internal departments (e. g., production, engineering, finance) to forecast demand and ensure timely procurement.
- Analyze market trends to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
- Negotiate terms and conditions of contracts with vendors to ensure favorable terms.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, supplier innovations, and material availability.
- Track inventory levels and coordinate with warehouse/operations teams to maintain optimal stock levels.
- Ensure compliance with company policies and procurement regulations.
Requirements
- Experience in procurement, buying, or supply chain-related roles.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
- Experience in the infrastructure sector.
- Certification in procurement or supply chain (e. g., CPSM, CIPS, APICS) desirable.
This role will be based across our project offices covering Sealand Road, Chester CH1 and Cryers lane, Chester CH2
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Junior Buyer (Site based) employer: AFECO
AFECO is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and career progression. With a focus on innovative engineering solutions in the water industry, employees have the opportunity to work on diverse projects while benefiting from a comprehensive benefits package, including life insurance and a company pension. Located in the South of England and Midlands, AFECO fosters a friendly environment where safety and quality are paramount, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer (Site based)
✨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 AFECO.
✨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 Junior Buyer (Site based)
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 AFECO:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to AFECO. 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 AFECO.
How to prepare for a job interview at AFECO
✨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 AFECO!
✨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 AFECO. 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 AFECO's culture.
