At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee purchasing of materials for award-winning retirement developments.
- Company: Join Churchill Retirement PLC, the UK's fastest-growing retirement house builder.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 24 days holiday, company car, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a family-run business making a real difference in people's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Materials Buyer in residential development and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: St Albans
About us
We are Churchill Retirement PLC, the fastest growing company in the UK retirement house building sector and we’re looking for people like you. We’re a family-run, privately-owned business and we’re going places. We’re proud of what we do, and the people we work with. We have exciting and ambitious growth plans for the future. Our developments are in prime locations and can be found in 23 counties throughout the UK. With sector-leading operating margins, we are investing for future and long-term growth with an award winning specialist product. We pride ourselves on building beautiful, quality, purpose-built one and two bedroom apartments in desirable locations across the UK for those looking for an independent lifestyle in later life. Developments are designed to take away all the hassle and fears that can be experienced by older people and provide security, peace of mind and independence. We’ve won a host of awards; in 2019 we were recognised by The Sunday Times as the 2nd Best Company to Work For and we have retained a ‘5 star’ status in the HBF Customer Satisfaction Survey having been recommended by over 90% of our customers. In 2016, we became the first ever retirement living specialist to have been named overall ‘Housebuilder of the Year’ by the WhatHouse? Awards and in 2019 were awarded ‘Best Medium Housebuilder’.
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced Buyer to work alongside our Commercial team in St Albans to oversee our developments in our Eastern region. You will be responsible for the cost effective and timely purchasing of all materials that are required for our award winning developments. Forming good working relationships is an essential part of this role, as you will be working closely with the Commercial and Construction departments as well as the Finance and Technical teams. You will also develop working relationships with external stakeholders such as all material suppliers and external consultants.
Your duties will include:
- Measuring drawings, taking off quantities, preparing schedules, estimates and other working documents.
- Provide the material costs for the preparation of construction budgets.
- Source suitable suppliers and issuing tender enquiry documents.
- Negotiating proposed order values and new Regional Supply agreements.
- Producing a monthly forecast report for the Board, as well as the usual budget preparation, scheduling and estimates.
Hours of work: 9.00am - 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am – 5.00pm on Friday. You’ll make at least one visit to your sites per week and some additional overtime may be required to meet your targets.
About you
You’ll have a background in Construction, with previous experience as a Materials Buyer, preferably in residential development with experience in measuring drawings, preparing bills of quantities and using advanced procurement techniques. It goes without saying that you will be able to read and understand architect drawings, specification documents and standard detail drawings. It would be desirable if you had specific knowledge and experience of conventional 3-4 storey masonry construction, with an understanding of Contract law, together with a construction related qualification such as a HNC. It’s important that you’re a commercially astute negotiator, self motivated, able to work under pressure and have the ability to prioritise your workload. You must also have a valid UK driver’s license.
How you’ll be rewarded
- Competitive salary
- Annual holiday entitlement - 24 days minimum + Bank Holidays
- Company car provision or cash car alternative
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical Insurance
- Day off on your birthday
- Childcare Voucher Scheme
- Eye Care Reimbursement Scheme
- Land Introduction Bonus
We are looking for the very best people to join our business and adopt our values so if you want to be part of our success story apply today.
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Materials Buyer employer: Churchill Retirement Living
Churchill Retirement Living is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in St Albans where you can kickstart your career in Land Acquisition. With a strong focus on employee development, you will be part of a high-performing team that values collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for growth and progression. Enjoy a competitive salary, attractive incentives, and a supportive culture that prioritises your well-being and professional journey.
Contact Details:
Churchill Retirement Living Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Materials Buyer
✨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 Churchill Retirement Living, 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 Materials Buyer at Churchill Retirement Living.
We think you need these skills to ace Materials Buyer
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 Churchill Retirement Living
✨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!
