At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement for construction projects and coordinate buying activities.
- Company: Join Lovell, a leading provider of affordable homes with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and a discretionary bonus.
- Other info: Empowering culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in construction while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication, negotiation skills, and a basic understanding of construction processes.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
We are seeking a proactive and commercially aware Assistant Buyer to support the effective delivery of procurement across our construction projects. You will play a key role in coordinating buying activities, ensuring materials and services are sourced in line with programme requirements and project objectives.
In this varied role, you’ll prepare and manage buying schedules, liaise and negotiate with suppliers to achieve best value, and support the selection of materials, including identifying suitable alternatives where appropriate. Working closely with site and estimating teams, you’ll help maintain strong supply chain relationships and contribute to consistent, high-quality delivery. You will also help promote best practice across the supply chain, supporting quality, value, and performance at every stage.
With strong communication and negotiation skills, you’ll build effective working relationships at all levels, demonstrating excellent organisation, attention to detail and commercial awareness. A sound understanding of construction processes, alongside knowledge of contracts, health & safety, and market conditions, will support your success in this role.
Benefits:
- Discretionary bonus, based on business performance.
- 26 days annual leave
- Life Assurance
- Pension Scheme, 5% matched, defined contribution scheme
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Salary Sacrifice opportunities exist with our Cycle to Work and Additional Holiday Purchase
- Group Discount Scheme
- 24 Hour Digital GP
As an Investors in People Gold award employer, Lovell is the UK’s leading provider of mixed tenure affordable homes and has a reputation for innovation and excellence in the delivery of high-quality housing development and regeneration projects. We are committed to enhancing the communities in which we work, building quality homes for real people and looking after our own people; developing talent is key to achieving this. We understand that the success of our organisation comes from the strengths, skills and personalities of our people. Lovell is an equal opportunities employer who encourage and value diversity and inclusion within our teams.
The Lovell culture is one that has been successful for many years. It is based on empowering colleagues to make decisions at a regional and local level, and to challenge the status quo whilst working as one to achieve our goals and make Lovell a great place to work for all.
Please refer to the Job Description upon completing your application.
Assistant Buyer in Birmingham employer: Blue Octopus Recruitment
Lovell is an excellent employer, offering a comprehensive training programme that equips Trainee Site Managers with essential skills in construction and compliance. Located in Pendleton, Salford, our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and collaboration, ensuring that employees are well-prepared for their future careers in the industry. With a focus on health and safety, quality control, and strong relationships with clients and suppliers, Lovell provides a rewarding environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact in construction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Birmingham
✨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 Blue Octopus Recruitment.
✨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 in Birmingham
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 Blue Octopus Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Blue Octopus Recruitment. 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 Blue Octopus Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blue Octopus Recruitment
✨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 Blue Octopus Recruitment!
✨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 Blue Octopus Recruitment. 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 Blue Octopus Recruitment's culture.
