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- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic construction environment.
- Company: Join Cala Group, a leading UK housebuilder focused on sustainability and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holiday, flexible working, and private medical insurance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and a relevant qualification in Building Studies or Quantity Surveying.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusivity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you will play a key role in leading and developing the buying function within the region. You will be responsible for procurement activities across both standard and bespoke products, including preparing material take‑offs and ensuring the timely, cost‑effective procurement of raw materials in line with programme requirements. You will work closely with internal stakeholders and be an integral part of the team responsible for engaging, managing and expanding Cala’s database of key subcontractors and suppliers. You will support the delivery of Cala’s high‑quality product through effective supplier management and commercial oversight.
The role requires regular communication with Sales, Land, Construction and Technical teams, alongside the production of accurate cost reports, updates and presentations. Strong attention to detail, proactive working and the ability to manage competing deadlines are essential. This is a 1 year fixed term contract role (Maternity Cover).
About You
You will form a key part of the Commercial function and bring a flexible, adaptable approach to your work. You will be motivated to progress and comfortable supporting a broad range of commercial activities, including elements that may overlap with traditional Quantity Surveying responsibilities. This may include producing accurate estimates, budgets, forecasts and cost control measures, as well as monitoring and reporting on site performance against original plans, budgets and financial targets. You will be organised, self‑motivated and confident working independently, while also contributing effectively as part of a wider, collaborative team.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a Buyer or procurement role within the construction or housebuilding industry
- Minimum qualification of HNC in Building Studies (or equivalent)
- Experience producing material take‑offs for standard and bespoke products
- Strong understanding of procurement processes and cost‑effective purchasing
- Experience working with subcontractors and suppliers, including relationship management
- Ability to produce accurate cost reports, estimates and financial updates
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Experience using Site Stream or similar cost control software
- Good knowledge of current building regulations and industry standards
- Excellent planning, organisational and time‑management skills
- Proactive and self‑motivated approach, with the ability to work flexibly
- RICS qualification or working towards chartered status
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Procurement or a related discipline
- Experience in residential development or volume housebuilding
- Broader commercial experience, including budgeting, forecasting and cost control
- Experience supporting business growth or regional expansion projects
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.
At Cala, we offer a competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, flexibility and development. This includes a generous holiday allowance with buy, sell and carry‑forward options, enhanced family‑friendly policies, flexible ways of working, private medical insurance and access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme. We also invest in learning and development and support more sustainable lifestyles through initiatives such as our ULEV car scheme and Cycle to Work scheme.
Buyer (Maternity Cover) in Dorking employer: Cala Group Limited
Contact Detail:
Cala Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Maternity Cover) in Dorking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and housebuilding industry. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their procurement processes and recent developments. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your previous work, like cost reports or material take-offs, to demonstrate your expertise. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Cala and contributing to our mission of creating vibrant communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Maternity Cover) in Dorking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement experience and any relevant qualifications, like your HNC in Building Studies or RICS status, to show us you're the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about the role and how your background aligns with our needs. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage suppliers and produce accurate cost reports.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully managed competing deadlines and maintained accuracy in your work. This is crucial for the Buyer role, so we want to see how you’ve excelled in similar situations.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cala Group Limited
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of procurement processes and cost-effective purchasing. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Since strong attention to detail is crucial for this role, prepare to highlight instances where your meticulousness made a difference. Bring along examples of accurate cost reports or material take-offs you've produced in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration with various teams, so be prepared to share how you've effectively worked with different stakeholders in the past. Think of examples that showcase your ability to communicate and manage competing deadlines while still delivering results.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on current building regulations and industry standards. Be ready to answer questions about your experience with cost control software like Site Stream, and how you've used it to enhance project outcomes.