At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for exciting construction projects and negotiate with suppliers.
- Company: Established construction contractor known for quality and strong client relationships.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a growing team with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Take ownership of procurement and contribute to diverse refurbishment projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in a buyer role with strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Salary: 45k - 55k plus package
Location: Office-based with occasional site and supplier visits
Job Type: Permanent
About the Company
Our client is an established and growing construction and refurbishment contractor delivering projects across the education, healthcare, commercial and public sectors throughout the UK. With projects typically ranging from £100,000 to £2 million, the business has built a strong reputation for quality delivery, strong client relationships, and commercial reliability. Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of secured work, they are looking to appoint an experienced Construction Buyer to support procurement activities across multiple live projects.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Construction Buyer to take ownership of procurement across multiple live refurbishment and fit-out projects. This is a key commercial role responsible for securing best value, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring materials, plant and site requirements are delivered on time and to specification. The successful candidate will work closely with commercial, operational and site teams to help maintain programme performance, manage costs, and support overall project profitability.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage procurement of construction materials, plant hire, site accommodation, and consumables across multiple live projects
- Source and compare quotations from approved suppliers to secure best value and service
- Negotiate prices, discounts, rebates, credit terms, and delivery arrangements
- Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring accurate coding, approvals, and record keeping
- Review drawings, specifications, and programmes to identify procurement requirements and long-lead items
- Coordinate deliveries to ensure materials and equipment arrive on time and in line with project requirements
- Monitor material costs against project budgets and identify savings opportunities or potential cost variances
- Support estimating teams with live material pricing during tender stages
- Identify value engineering opportunities and propose suitable alternative products where appropriate
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal project teams
- Resolve shortages, damaged goods, incorrect deliveries, and urgent supply issues efficiently
- Track supplier performance, procurement savings, and rebate income
- Maintain accurate procurement records and provide reporting as required
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a Construction Buyer, Materials Buyer, or Senior Buyer role
- Experience working within a main contractor, refurbishment contractor, or fit-out specialist
- Proven experience procuring materials and plant for projects valued between £500k and £2m+
- Strong knowledge of UK construction supply chains and material lead times
- Experience managing procurement across multiple concurrent projects
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills
- Commercially aware with a strong cost-focused mindset
- Technical understanding of construction materials and specifications
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships with suppliers and site teams
- Advanced Excel and general IT proficiency
Desirable:
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS
- Experience within education, healthcare, or public sector projects
Why Apply?
- Join a growing and financially stable construction business
- Take ownership of procurement and make a measurable commercial impact
- Work across a diverse range of refurbishment and fit-out projects
- Opportunity for progression as the business continues to grow
If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris by applying to the role.
Building Careers UK specialises in Construction and Property recruitment and serves as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
Please Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.
Buyer in Chester employer: Building Careers UK Ltd
Our client is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can take ownership of procurement and make a significant impact on diverse refurbishment and fit-out projects. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to quality delivery, the company fosters a collaborative culture that values strong client relationships and commercial reliability, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to advance their careers in the construction sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the construction industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in procurement and supplier management. Make sure they know you can handle multiple projects and negotiate like a champ.
✨Tip Number 3
Do your homework! Research the company you're applying to and understand their projects and values. This will help you tailor your conversations and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to make a real impact in the construction world!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Construction Buyer role. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, especially with materials and plant for projects similar to those mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how your skills align with our needs. Show us your passion for construction and procurement!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key in this role, provide examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. This could be about securing better prices or managing supplier relationships effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Building Careers UK Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Construction Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of procurement costs and budgets. Brush up on your knowledge of material costs, supplier pricing, and how to negotiate effectively. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've saved costs or improved supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Relationships
Building strong relationships with suppliers is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you've successfully managed supplier partnerships in the past. Highlight any instances where you resolved issues like shortages or incorrect deliveries, as this shows your problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Project Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the construction project lifecycle, especially in refurbishment and fit-out projects. Be prepared to discuss how your procurement strategies align with different project phases and how you ensure timely delivery of materials to meet project deadlines.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Having a solid grasp of construction materials and specifications is crucial. Review common materials used in the industry and be ready to discuss their applications. If you have experience with value engineering, share examples of how you've proposed alternative products to save costs without compromising quality.
