Buyer – Construction & Building Services Location: Sittingbourne, Kent Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent Salary: Competitive, Dependent on Experience The Opportunity We are currently recruiting on behalf of an established contractor within the construction and building services sector, seeking an experienced Buyer to join their team based in Sittingbourne, Kent. Our client delivers a range of construction, mechanical and electrical projects across the Commercial, Residential and Public Sectors, with a focus on quality, reliability and long-term client relationships. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded and organised individual to join a growing business, supporting procurement activities across a varied portfolio of projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing materials, managing supplier relationships, negotiating competitive prices and ensuring materials and equipment are procured efficiently to meet project requirements. The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of purchasing activities while developing professionally within an established business. Key Responsibilities * Managing the procurement of construction materials, mechanical and electrical equipment, plant and associated supplies. * Sourcing materials and obtaining competitive quotations from suppliers and manufacturers. * Negotiating pricing, terms and delivery schedules to achieve best value. * Raising and processing purchase orders in line with project requirements. * Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. * Coordinating deliveries to ensure materials arrive in line with project programmes. * Monitoring supplier performance, lead times and material availability. * Working closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and site teams to understand procurement requirements. * Maintaining accurate purchasing records, order documentation and supplier information. * Identifying opportunities to improve procurement efficiency and reduce costs. * Resolving supply chain issues, including delayed deliveries, material shortages and order discrepancies. * Ensuring purchasing activities align with project budgets, specifications and internal procedures. Essential Requirements * Previous experience as a Buyer, Assistant Buyer or Procurement Coordinator, ideally within Construction, M&E or Building Services. * Good understanding of construction materials, equipment and procurement processes. * Experience obtaining quotations, placing orders and liaising with suppliers. * Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness. * Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. * Ability to manage multiple orders, deadlines and priorities. * Strong communication and relationship-building skills. * Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. * Experience using purchasing or procurement systems. * Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a project-focused environment. Desirable Qualifications & Experience * Experience purchasing mechanical and electrical materials or building services equipment. * Previous experience working for a construction contractor or specialist subcontractor. * CIPS qualification or working towards a relevant procurement qualification. * Knowledge of construction project programmes and material lead times. * Experience supporting procurement across multiple projects. * Familiarity with supplier agreements, purchasing budgets and cost reporting. * Experience within refurbishment, maintenance or small works environments. The Ideal Candidate We are looking for a proactive, organised and commercially aware o can confidently manage procurement activities within a busy construction environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent attention to detail, strong supplier management skills and the ability to work effectively with internal project teams. This opportunity would suit an individual who enjoys taking ownership of their workload, identifying opportunities for improvement and contributing to the successful delivery of construction projects. What's on Offer? Permanent, full-time position. Opportunity to join an established construction and building services business. Exposure to a varied portfolio of projects. Professional development opportunities. Supportive and experienced team environment. Apply Now If you are an experienced Buyer with a background in Construction, M&E or Building Services and are considering a new opportunity in Sittingbourne, Kent, we would be keen to hear from you
Buyer in Faversham employer: Caddy Group Limited
The Caddy Group is an excellent employer for painters seeking immediate opportunities in the Colchester area, offering a supportive work culture and a commitment to safety with provided on-site parking. Employees benefit from competitive pay, the chance to work on large-scale commercial projects, and the potential for growth within a dynamic team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Faversham
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Caddy Group Limited, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Buyer at Caddy Group Limited.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caddy Group Limited
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
