At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing for construction materials and negotiate with suppliers.
- Company: Leading engineering contractor with a focus on innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, pension, private healthcare, and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career progression and impact.
- Why this job: Step into management and shape a new buying function in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing within construction or related sectors.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 40000 £ per year.
A Buyer is required for a permanent, full-time position based in Chesterfield. This role involves a consistent on-site presence to work closely with operational teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Centralise the buying function and manage two direct reports.
- Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for materials, plant hire, and services.
- Negotiate pricing, agreements, and bulk terms with merchants and global suppliers.
- Raise, process, and track purchase orders.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors.
- Collaborate with internal stores, warehouse, and workshop managers to optimise stock control.
- Drive data consolidation and process improvements across internal spreadsheets and systems.
- Ensure cost-effective delivery decisions.
Requirements:
- 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.
- Strong spreadsheet and IT skills.
Benefits include life assurance, pension scheme, private healthcare cash plan, mental health support, enhanced maternity benefits, holiday purchase scheme, and ongoing professional development.
If this sounds like your next move, apply today.
Buyer (Construction) in England employer: Certain Advantage
Certain Advantage is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Chesterfield where you can thrive as a Buyer in the construction sector. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including life assurance and a holiday buy and sell scheme, and the unique opportunity to step into management while shaping a new buying function, this role promises both professional growth and a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer (Construction) in England
✨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 Certain Advantage, 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 (Construction) at Certain Advantage.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer (Construction) in England
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 Certain Advantage
✨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!
