At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead purchasing for construction projects, manage a small team, and optimise supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a leading engineering contractor with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, pension, healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Great career progression potential and supportive workplace culture.
- Why this job: Shape a new buying function and drive commercial value in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing within construction or related sectors; strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
Buyer (Construction / Civil Engineering) Chesterfield (Office-based) £38,000 - £40,000 + Opportunity to step into management + Training & Development + Potential for Progression + Life Assurance + Pension + Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme + Other Company Benefits
Certain Advantage is hiring for a Buyer based commutable distance to Chesterfield. This role is a permanent, full-time position requiring a consistent on-site presence to work closely with the operational teams.
Are you a Buyer, from the construction, merchant, or hire sector, looking to step into a newly created role, where you will have the opportunity to centralise and shape a brand-new buying function, managing two existing staff members? (no formal management experience required)
Are you an experienced buyer, looking to step into a varied, fast paced role, balancing high-level supplier negotiations with hands-on, day-to-day purchasing execution, with a high degree of autonomy and versatility? You will lead a small team and drive commercial value across the business.
We are working with a leading specialist engineering contractor, which forms part of a major engineering group, delivering innovative solutions on technically challenging projects nationwide, across civil engineering and construction.
You will centralise the buying function and manage two direct reports. Your workload will adapt to project pipelines; focusing on rapid execution and logistics during high-volume periods and shifting to strategic stock management and bulk rebate negotiations during slower windows.
- Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for materials, plant hire, and services across both businesses
- Line manage and develop two purchasing/administrative assistants based in London and Chesterfield
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors, monitoring performance and identifying opportunities for consolidation or improved terms
- Collaborate with internal stores, warehouse, and workshop managers to optimise stock control and tracking
- Drive data consolidation and process improvements across internal spreadsheets and systems
- Ensure cost-effective delivery decisions, recognising when speed and site continuity outweigh standard premiums
- Support continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems
Proven experience in a purchasing or buying role within construction, civil engineering, builders' merchants, or the plant hire sector. Strong commercial acumen with a track record of effective supplier negotiation.
Life assurance and pension scheme, private healthcare cash plan and virtual GP access, mental health and wellbeing support, holiday purchase scheme, cycle to work scheme and retail discounts, ongoing professional development and training.
Purchasing Supply Chain Coordinator in Derby employer: Certain Advantage
Certain Advantage is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Chesterfield where you can thrive as a Purchasing Supply Chain Coordinator. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from comprehensive training and progression opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and attractive benefits such as life assurance, a pension scheme, and a holiday buy and sell scheme. Join a leading engineering contractor that values innovation and teamwork, providing you with the autonomy to shape a new buying function while managing a dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Supply Chain Coordinator in Derby
✨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 Certain Advantage.
✨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 Purchasing Supply Chain Coordinator in Derby
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 Certain Advantage:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Certain Advantage. 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 Certain Advantage.
How to prepare for a job interview at Certain Advantage
✨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 Certain Advantage!
✨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 Certain Advantage. 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 Certain Advantage's culture.
