At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and purchase materials for exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: Reputable civil engineering contractor with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a stable company with a strong pipeline of work and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in materials buying within construction and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A well-established and highly respected civil engineering and groundworks contractor delivering projects across the North West and wider UK. Operating for several decades, the business has built a strong reputation for quality delivery across infrastructure, residential, commercial, and reinforced concrete projects. The company is known for its collaborative culture, long-standing workforce, and commitment to delivering projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
As Senior Materials Buyer, you will play a key role within the procurement team, taking responsibility for the sourcing and purchasing of materials across multiple civils and groundwork projects. You will work closely with commercial, operational, and supply chain teams to ensure materials are procured competitively, delivered on time, and aligned with project requirements.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced buyer looking to join a stable and growing contractor with a strong pipeline of work across the region.
As Senior Materials Buyer, you will be responsible for:
- Procuring materials in line with project programmes and budgets
- Managing supplier relationships and negotiating competitive rates
- Monitoring market trends and identifying cost-saving opportunities
- Working closely with site teams and commercial departments to ensure material availability
- Raising purchase orders and maintaining procurement records
- Managing and developing the supply chain network
- Ensuring compliance with company procedures and procurement policies
- Supporting the wider procurement strategy across multiple live projects
The successful Senior Materials Buyer will have:
- Previous experience in a Materials Buyer or Senior Buyer position within construction or civil engineering
- Strong knowledge of groundworks, infrastructure, or civil engineering materials
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills
- The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively
- Strong commercial awareness and cost management capability
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement systems
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A proactive and team-oriented approach
What's on Offer:
- Salary of £55,000 - £65,000 DOE
- Car allowance
- Long-term career progression opportunities
- Stable pipeline of secured work
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunity to join a reputable and growing contractor
If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris.
Senior Materials Buyer in Preston employer: Building Careers UK Ltd
Join a well-established civil engineering contractor in Preston, where you will thrive in a collaborative culture that values quality and safety. With a competitive salary and car allowance, this role offers long-term career progression opportunities and the chance to work on a diverse range of projects across the North West. Experience a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and fosters strong supplier relationships, making it an excellent choice for your next career move.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Materials Buyer in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and civil engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects and achievements as a Materials Buyer. This will give you an edge during interviews and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on demonstrating your negotiation skills and commercial awareness, which are key for this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a better chance of getting noticed. Don’t miss out on your dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Materials Buyer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Materials Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within construction or civil engineering, and showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how your skills align with our needs. Remember, we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements! Whether it's cost savings or successful supplier negotiations, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Building Careers UK Ltd
✨Know Your Materials
As a Senior Materials Buyer, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the materials used in civil engineering and groundworks. Brush up on the latest trends and innovations in the industry, and be ready to discuss how you can leverage this knowledge to benefit the company.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you secured competitive rates or improved supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your ability to manage suppliers effectively and highlight your strong commercial awareness, which is key for this role.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company's collaborative culture and long-standing workforce. Be prepared to discuss how your proactive and team-oriented approach aligns with their values, and think of examples that showcase your ability to work well within a team.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This could include inquiries about their procurement strategy or how they manage supplier relationships. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
