At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee purchasing for award-winning developments and build strong relationships with teams and suppliers.
- Company: Join Churchill Living, a family-run business dedicated to quality housing for the over 60s.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, company car, pension, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a top-rated workplace and make a real impact in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction buying, strong negotiation skills, and a valid UK driver’s license.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Location: Office based in Byfleet with travel to sites in the division as required.
About the role
We’re looking for an experienced Buyer to work alongside our Commercial team in Byfleet to oversee our developments in our South East division. 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
- Providing the material costs for the preparation of construction budgets
- Sourcing suitable suppliers and issuing tender enquiry documents
- Negotiating proposed order values and new Regional Supply agreements
There’ll be considerable financial work in most aspects of the role, with sole responsibility for producing a monthly forecast report for the Board, as well as the usual budget preparation, scheduling and estimates. Office hours are full-time, Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.30pm and Friday 9am to 5pm and you will be expected to make at least one visit to your sites per week.
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
- Day off on your birthday
- Company car or cash for car alternative
- Company pension contribution
- Life Assurance
- Private Medical Insurance
- Health screening every 3 years
- Employee Assistance Programme
About us
We are Churchill Living, the leading provider of housing that offers freedom, independence, and unrivalled living value for the over 60s, and we're looking for people like you! As a family-run, privately-owned business we have a strong culture built on trust and integrity. We're proud of what we do, and the people we work with, and we believe in giving something back to the communities where we operate. Our success is built on our fantastic team of more than 700 colleagues across the country, which is growing all the time. We pride ourselves on building beautiful, quality apartments in desirable locations across the country for those looking for greater freedom and independence. Our developments are designed to provide safety, support and a sense of community for our customers to enjoy, ensuring peace of mind for them and their families. We are proud to have been voted a Sunday Times Top 10 'Best Places to Work' based on our colleague feedback. Not only that, but we've won a host of industry awards including the prestigious Housebuilder of the Year at the What House? awards. If you would like to be part of an ambitious and successful business which values and appreciates its people, click apply today.
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Buyer - South East in West Byfleet 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 Buyer - South East in West Byfleet
✨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 Churchill Retirement Living.
✨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 Buyer - South East in West Byfleet
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 Churchill Retirement Living:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Churchill Retirement Living. 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 Churchill Retirement Living.
How to prepare for a job interview at Churchill Retirement Living
✨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 Churchill Retirement Living!
✨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 Churchill Retirement Living. 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 Churchill Retirement Living's culture.
