Procurement Assistant in Manchester

Location: Trafford Park

Reporting To: Procurement Manager / Head of Procurement

Company Type: Principal Contractor with internal Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) capability

About Us: We are a leading, rapidly growing Principal Contractor operating across the North of England. Delivering high-quality projects across all major sectors, we pride ourselves on our unique capability to self-deliver integrated Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) solutions alongside traditional main contracting. Our business is built on a foundation of strong values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Delivery Excellence.

The Role: As a Procurement Assistant, you will support the procurement manager who will help you to learn and work towards playing an important role in commercial delivery, ensuring that sub-contractor packages and material supply chains are procured efficiently, ethically, and aligned with project budgets. Given our unique internal M&E capability, you will gain exposure to a fascinating mix of complex technical M&E packages as well as standard building fabric and civil engineering procurement. This role offers a direct pathway to full management, with mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.

Key Responsibilities & Development Pathway:

• Sub-Contractor & Supplier Procurement: Assist in compiling tender enquiry packages, analysing returns, conducting commercial interviews, and placing robust orders across both general construction and specialist M&E packages.
• Supply Chain Management: Maintain, evaluate, and expand our regional supply chain database, ensuring all partners meet our stringent health, safety, quality, and sustainability standards.
• Value Engineering: Work closely with the Pre-Construction, Estimating, and Site Delivery teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and innovative alternatives without compromising quality or safety.
• Value-Driven Negotiation: Negotiate commercially sound terms with supply chain partners that reflect our commitment to fair, collaborative, and long-term relationships.
• Market Analysis: Monitor market trends, material shortages, and price fluctuations across the North of England to proactively mitigate commercial risks.
• Sustainability & Social Value: Support the implementation of sustainable procurement initiatives, sourcing locally where possible to drive social value within the communities we build in.

About You (Requirements):

We are looking for someone who is keen to learn, interested, commercially sharp, technically curious, and fundamentally aligned with our collaborative way of working.

Experience & Qualifications (albeit not essential):

• Industry Experience: Preferred procurement, buying, or commercial experience within a main contracting, civil engineering, or major M&E sub-contracting environment.
• M&E Exposure: While you don't need to be an expert, an understanding of, or a strong desire to learn, Mechanical & Electrical procurement packages is highly advantageous.
• Regional Knowledge: Familiarity with the supply chain and sub-contractor market across the North of England (North West, Yorkshire, North East).
• Education: Degree-qualified in a relevant field (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Supply Chain) or actively working towards RICS accreditation (support will be provided).

Key Skills & Attributes (albeit not essential):

• Strong negotiation and communication skills; you build bridges, not walls.
• Excellent analytical skills with a sharp eye for detail in tender comparisons and contract terms.
• Proficiency in modern procurement/ERP software and Excel.
• A full UK driving license (regular travel to regional offices and sites will be required).

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Full funding and professional mentorship for professional qualifications (CIPS / RICS).
• A clear, documented career progression pathway within a rapidly expanding business.
• A supportive, inclusive culture where your voice is heard and your values matter.