At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and purchase materials for exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: Respected civil engineering contractor with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and a stable work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a reputable company.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact on infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills.
Location - Preston
Salary/Package - £55,000 - £65,000 DOE + Car Allowance
About the Company
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.
The Role
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
Senior Commercial & Procurement Officer in Preston employer: Building Careers UK
As a Senior Commercial & Procurement Officer with our esteemed civil engineering and groundworks contractor in Preston, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values quality and safety. The company offers competitive salaries, a car allowance, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a stable environment, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial & Procurement Officer in Preston
✨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 Building Careers UK.
✨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 Senior Commercial & Procurement Officer in Preston
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 Building Careers UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Building Careers UK. 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 Building Careers UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Building Careers UK
✨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 Building Careers UK!
✨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 Building Careers UK. 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 Building Careers UK's culture.
