Our client, is looking to recruit an Assistant Buyer to join its Company Purchasing Department, working closely alongside and providing day-to-day support to the existing Buyer. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with experience in the construction industry and/or a trade counter environment who is looking to develop their career within construction procurement. The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring construction materials and plant are sourced competitively, delivered efficiently to live projects, and procured in line with project requirements, quality standards and budgets. Key Responsibilities * Source, negotiate and procure construction materials at competitive prices. * Coordinate and manage the delivery of materials and plant to live construction sites, ensuring requirements are met on time. * Identify, assess and select reliable suppliers and contractors to support ongoing projects. * Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers, contractors, clients, site operatives and other construction professionals. * Ensure all procured materials meet the required technical specifications and quality standards. * Monitor supplier performance, procurement activity and cost savings, preparing reports where required. * Liaise with suppliers to ensure invoices are checked, processed and cleared for payment promptly. * Carry out daily, weekly and monthly checks to ensure purchasing documentation and associated paperwork remain accurate and up to date. * Provide general purchasing and administrative support to the existing Buyer. * Assist with additional ad hoc duties as required by the business. The Candidate * Previous experience within the construction industry and/or a trade counter environment is essential. * Good knowledge of construction materials, building products or plant procurement. * Experience sourcing materials, obtaining quotations and negotiating with suppliers. * Strong communication and relationship-building skills. * Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. * A proactive, practical approach with strong attention to detail. * Competent IT and administrative skills, including maintaining accurate purchasing records. * Salary of £35,000 – £40,000, depending on experience. If you are an Assistant Buyer looking for your next move please apply or call Robert for a confidential discussion
Assistant Buyer in Oxford employer: Ashbrittle
As a leading main contractor in the construction industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our Site Managers to excel. Located in Radlett, you will have the opportunity to manage prestigious projects while benefiting from ongoing professional development and a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of a company that values quality, safety, and employee growth, ensuring your contributions are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Oxford
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Ashbrittle, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Assistant Buyer at Ashbrittle.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashbrittle
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
