Freelance Buyer - 2 to 3 days per week in Manchester

Freelance Buyer - 2 to 3 days per week in Manchester

Manchester Freelance No working from home possible
Building Careers UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join as a Freelance Buyer, managing procurement for exciting construction projects.
  • Company: A respected property developer in Manchester, known for quality and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working days and a competitive day rate of £275-£325.
  • Other info: Immediate availability preferred; apply now to join a supportive team!
  • Why this job: Perfect for those seeking work-life balance while contributing to innovative developments.
  • Qualifications: Experience in construction procurement and strong negotiation skills required.

Our client is a respected and long-standing property development specialist based in Manchester, renowned for delivering high-quality residential and mixed-use developments across the North West. With a strong reputation for restoring heritage buildings and delivering complex construction projects, they are known for quality, innovation, and sustainability within the built environment.

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Freelance Buyer to join the team on a part-time basis (2-3 days per week). This is a flexible, ongoing contract position ideally suited to a commercially astute individual with a background in construction procurement. You will support live developments by managing procurement activities, supplier relationships, and material sourcing to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery.

Responsibilities will include:

  • Procuring construction materials and subcontractor packages for ongoing residential developments.
  • Liaising with site managers, project managers, and finance teams to align purchasing plans with build schedules.
  • Negotiating best-value terms with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring commercial efficiency.
  • Managing and updating procurement schedules and cost trackers.
  • Reviewing and managing supplier performance.
  • Supporting tendering processes and price comparisons.
  • Ensuring all procurement activity aligns with project budgets and timelines.
  • Contributing to supply chain improvement and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

What you will need to succeed:

  • Proven experience as a Buyer within the construction or property development sector.
  • Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
  • Good knowledge of construction materials and subcontractor services.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement software/tools.
  • Availability to commit to 2-3 days per week.
  • Immediate or short-notice availability preferred.

What you get in return:

  • Competitive day rate of £275.00 - £325.00 DOE.
  • Flexible working (2-3 days per week).
  • Opportunity to work with a respected and stable developer known for high-profile, design-led projects.
  • Collaborative and supportive team environment.
  • Ideal role for an experienced Buyer seeking work-life balance while contributing to exciting developments in the North West.

This is a freelance/contract position based in Manchester. Apply now to register your interest and speak to our specialist about this opportunity.

If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist Mark Harris, or apply with your CV.

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.

Building Careers UK

Contact Details:

Building Careers UK Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Freelance Buyer - 2 to 3 days per week in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the construction and property development sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential employers and gain insights into the latest trends and opportunities.

Tip Number 2

Showcase your negotiation skills by preparing examples of successful supplier negotiations you've conducted in the past. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can benefit our client during interviews.

Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the specific construction materials and subcontractor services relevant to the projects our client is involved in. This knowledge will help you stand out as a candidate who understands the industry's nuances.

Tip Number 4

Be prepared to demonstrate your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and procurement software during the interview process. Consider brushing up on your skills or even creating a sample procurement schedule to showcase your capabilities.

We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Buyer - 2 to 3 days per week in Manchester

Construction Procurement
Supplier Management
Negotiation Skills
Material Sourcing
Cost Tracking
Project Scheduling
Microsoft Excel Proficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your experience as a Buyer in the construction or property development sector. Focus on relevant skills such as negotiation, supplier management, and knowledge of construction materials.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Explain how your background aligns with their needs and demonstrate your understanding of procurement activities in construction.

Showcase Relevant Experience:In your application, provide examples of past projects where you successfully managed procurement activities. Highlight any cost-saving initiatives you implemented and your ability to work independently.

Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in procurement roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at Building Careers UK

Showcase Your Procurement Experience

Make sure to highlight your previous experience as a Buyer in the construction or property development sector. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you successfully managed procurement activities and supplier relationships.

Demonstrate Negotiation Skills

Since negotiation is key for this role, come equipped with examples of how you've negotiated best-value terms with suppliers and subcontractors. This will show your potential employer that you can deliver commercial efficiency.

Familiarise Yourself with Construction Materials

Brush up on your knowledge of construction materials and subcontractor services. Being able to speak confidently about these topics will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.

Prepare for Flexibility Questions

As this is a part-time freelance position, be ready to discuss your availability and how you plan to manage your time effectively. Highlight your ability to work independently and meet deadlines with minimal supervision.