Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the buying function and ensure timely procurement of materials for exciting construction projects.
- Company: CALA Homes, a leading UK housebuilder focused on quality and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, personal growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in building vibrant communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and a minimum of HNC in Building Studies required.
- Other info: Inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and encourages personal contributions.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
CALA Homes (Chiltern) Ltd are looking to recruit a Buyer to join their Commercial team. Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you will have experience of procurement within the industry allowing you to allocate time to establish, command and lead the buying function within the region.
Establishing material take-offs for our standard and bespoke product, ensuring cost effective procurement of the raw materials in a timely manner to ensure delivery in line with programme requirements will be a key function of the role. Furthermore, you will be an integral part of the team responsible for engaging, overseeing and expanding our database of key subcontractors and suppliers to assist in delivery of our quality product as we enter a period of expansion across the business.
You will provide cost reports and key updates for deadlines, which will require you to communicate regularly with other disciplines such as Sales, Land, Construction, and Technical Architects. As such, you should be able to produce accurate reports and presentations and you must have excellent attention to detail as well as being self-motivated and proactive in your approach.
About You
Forming a key part of the commercial function, we are seeking a candidate who has a willingness to progress and has an adaptable approach allowing flexibility in relation to the tasks that they are required to undertake. This may include an overlap with typical Quantity Surveying duties including producing accurate and realistic estimates, budgets, forecasts and cost control measures whilst also monitoring and reporting on site performance against original plans, budgets and financial targets.
You must have experience working in a similar role with a minimum of an HNC in Building Studies. RICS qualifications and/or a degree in Quantity Surveying or Procurement related studies would be beneficial. You must have a high proficiency with various computer packages including Microsoft Office products as well as experience using ‘Site stream’ or other similar cost control software. You should be familiar with current standards and Building regulations and have excellent planning and organisational skills.
We recognise that a diverse team makes us a stronger and more successful company. We value different ideas and perspectives as it helps improve our decision-making, products and services. And we’re striving to create an inclusive work environment, in which everyone can feel comfortable as themselves, uniquely contribute and do their best work.
If we need to adjust anything in our recruitment process to support you, please contact careers@cala.co.uk
About Us
The Cala Group is a major UK housebuilder and leading provider of desirable new homes across Scotland, the South of England & Midlands. Driven by a mission to create vibrant and sustainable new communities, our homes are characterised by exceptional design and sector-leading build quality, and we have a passion for providing our customers with a great home buying experience.
This is an exciting time to be at Cala. Our approach to sustainability and technology is undergoing a dramatic transformation, and we’re aiming to create an industry-leading experience for both our staff and customers. At Cala, you can expect to be part of an environment which allows you to do meaningful work, while offering opportunities for personal growth. Our goal is to be the favoured employer in our industry and beyond. We encourage applications from those who want to be part of a culture where they can thrive, feel a sense of belonging and be comfortable being themselves at work.
Buyer employer: Cala Group Limited
Contact Detail:
Cala Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the 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! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your procurement experience and any successful projects you've been part of. This will help you stand out during interviews and show that you're the right fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for those tricky interview questions by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on how your experience aligns with CALA Homes' needs, especially around cost-effective procurement and supplier engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to apply directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and helps us get to know you better right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role at CALA Homes. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant qualifications, like your HNC in Building Studies or RICS certification. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires excellent attention to detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. Use clear formatting and bullet points to make it easy for us to read. A well-organised application reflects your ability to produce accurate reports!
Communicate Your Team Spirit: We value collaboration, so don’t forget to mention your experience working with different teams like Sales, Construction, and Technical Architects. Share examples of how you’ve engaged with others to achieve common goals – it’ll show us you’re a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at CALA Homes!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cala Group Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost control and procurement. Brush up on your knowledge of material take-offs and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. Bring examples of cost reports you've produced to showcase your attention to detail.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves regular communication with various teams, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with Sales, Construction, and Technical Architects in the past. Highlight any successful projects where your communication made a difference.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Software
Make sure you're comfortable with Microsoft Office and any cost control software like 'Site stream'. If you have experience with these tools, be prepared to talk about how you've used them to enhance your efficiency and accuracy in procurement tasks.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
CALA Homes values flexibility, so be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing circumstances in previous roles. Share examples of when you've taken on Quantity Surveying duties or adjusted your approach to meet project demands, showing that you're proactive and willing to learn.
