At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing for civil engineering projects and negotiate with suppliers for the best deals.
- Company: Join a well-established civil engineering contractor in a collaborative environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days leave, flexible hours, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact on key projects while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in civil engineering purchasing and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and a focus on teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Barker Ross Recruitment is excited to assist a well-established civil engineering contractor in their search for a Regional Buyer to join their team in Huntingdon. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a strong background in material purchasing and supply chain management within the civil engineering industry, looking to make a tangible impact on key projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage purchasing for ongoing tender projects, collaborating with the Pre-Contracts Buyer to ensure competitive and accurate costs are considered.
- Take full responsibility for purchasing materials according to project specifications, ensuring timely delivery and cost efficiency.
- Lead the way in supplier negotiations, ensuring the best deals are secured through strategic, well-prepared approaches.
- Build and nurture strategic relationships with suppliers, maintaining a network that aligns with company objectives.
- Actively seek out new suppliers, expanding options for cost-effective and high-quality materials, and negotiate supply agreements as directed by the Supply Chain Manager.
- Propose and implement improvements in purchasing processes to optimise external spend reduction.
- Become proficient in the use of the company's ERP system (Coins) and SharePoint to streamline purchasing operations.
- Interpret technical drawings and calculate quantities as required to support project material needs.
- Represent the purchasing function in internal meetings, providing insights and updates to assist the Supply Chain Manager with project coordination.
- Facilitate timely procurement by collaborating closely with site teams to anticipate material needs early in the project life cycle.
- Maintain a close working relationship with local authorities, including National Highways and Cambridgeshire County Council, ensuring smooth material compliance and identifying opportunities to maximise value.
Desired Skills & Experience
- 5+ years experience in civil engineering purchasing, ideally within site-based roles or the aggregates and waste sectors.
- Experience with Coins/SharePoint would be advantageous but not a requirement.
- CIPS qualification or working towards it would be beneficial, though not essential.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, is essential.
- A full driving license is required for this role.
- A proven track record in reducing external spend while maintaining a strong, reliable supplier base.
- Strong problem-solving abilities and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges in material sourcing.
- Experience in purchasing bespoke or manufactured items is advantageous.
Personal Attributes
- Exceptional communication skills, with a preference for direct phone contact over emails when possible.
- A hands-on approach with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to negotiate contracts and secure the best value for the company.
- A results-driven mindset with a focus on both short-term and long-term objectives.
- Comfortable working across departments and with external partners, contributing to both team and business-wide success.
Working Hours & Benefits
- Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible working hours to suit departmental needs.
- 26 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays, with 7 days to be taken during the Christmas industry shutdown period.
- Competitive salary, based on experience, with opportunities for professional development and progression.
- A collaborative and forward-thinking environment where your expertise will be valued.
This role is ideal for a driven Regional Buyer looking to make a significant contribution to a successful and growing civil engineering firm. If you're ready to bring your skills to the table and take ownership of procurement operations, apply today to join an ambitious and forward-thinking team!
Interested? Send us your CV or contact Barker Ross Recruitment for more information.
Barker Ross Group values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.
For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.
Regional Buyer employer: Barker Ross
Contact Detail:
Barker Ross Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Regional Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get ready for those interviews! Brush up on your negotiation skills and be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed purchasing in past roles. Show them you can bring value to their team by sharing specific examples of cost savings or supplier relationships you've built.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere—apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our ambitious team at Barker Ross Recruitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and how you can contribute to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in material purchasing and supply chain management, as this is key for the Regional Buyer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed purchasing in civil engineering projects and any cost-saving initiatives you've led.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since supplier negotiations are a big part of this role, include examples of successful negotiations you've conducted. This will demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals and build strong supplier relationships.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barker Ross
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Regional Buyer, you'll need to be comfortable with numbers and calculations. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or reduced costs in previous roles. Prepare some examples that showcase your ability to interpret technical drawings and calculate quantities.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Building strong relationships with suppliers is key in this role. Think about your past experiences where you’ve successfully negotiated contracts or secured better deals. Be prepared to share specific strategies you used to maintain these relationships and how they benefited your projects.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
The interviewers will want to see how you tackle challenges in material sourcing. Prepare to discuss a time when you faced a significant problem and how you resolved it. Highlight your proactive approach and any improvements you implemented in purchasing processes.
✨Be Ready to Discuss ERP Systems
Familiarity with ERP systems like Coins can set you apart. Even if you haven't used it before, research its functionalities and be ready to discuss how you would leverage such tools to streamline purchasing operations. Showing your willingness to learn can make a great impression!