At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to manage supplier relationships and optimise purchasing for exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: Respected civil engineering firm known for its supportive culture and long-term employee retention.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Enjoy a positive work environment with clear career progression and a strong focus on staff wellbeing.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing company where your contributions directly impact major infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Construction qualification and CIPS accreditation preferred; 7 years in civil engineering purchasing required.
About the company: I’m recruiting for a privately owned, highly respected company in the Highways, Bridges, and Civil Engineering sector across England.
They have built a strong reputation as a trusted partner with clients in Kent, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, the East Midlands, and Yorkshire.
The company specialises in S278 and S38 works, as well as construction and maintenance across all types of highways—from minor roads to motorways and major route projects.
Their expertise also extends to bridge infrastructure, utilities, and rail, with projects often involving significant concrete works, deep drainage, and major earthworks.
Known for their exceptional approach to staff wellbeing, the company offers a supportive and positive working environment where employees thrive.
About the opportunity: Due to continued company expansion, my client is recruiting permanently for a Senior Buyer to become a vital part of the group purchasing team within a long-established civil engineering company.
Bringing strong expertise in civil engineering materials procurement and supply chain management, you will work within an experienced department, consisting of the Supply Chain Manager, 3 Regional Buyers and 2 Trainee Buyers.
The role focuses on developing and maintaining key supplier relationships while meeting price, delivery, and quality objectives.
As a Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality purchasing support across tender and live projects, ensuring materials are procured to the correct specification, at competitive prices, and delivered on time.
Working closely with the Pre-Contracts Buyer and Supply Chain Manager, you will adopt a proactive and strategic approach to negotiation, develop and maintain strong supplier relationships, and identify new opportunities to improve value and reduce external spend.
You will work collaboratively with internal teams, suppliers, consultants, and authorities, using strong technical understanding and effective system use to support efficient purchasing, early engagement with sites, and the successful delivery of projects in line with cost, quality, and programme requirements.
About the benefits and rewards: This is an exciting opportunity to join a welcoming contractor that offers long-term stability and clear career progression.
With an impressively low staff turnover—employees stay with the company for an average of 11.5 years—it’s clear they value, support, and respect their team.
A competitive salary will be offered along with a car allowance.
Hybrid working is available along with 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
About the requirements: In order to be considered for this opportunity, you will need a construction-based qualification and CIPS accreditation (or working towards this).
Previous experience with COINS or Share Point is preferred but not required.
A minimum of 7 years in civil engineering purchasing or aggregates/waste management is essential.
Candidates should demonstrate a high level of competency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Power Point, and Word, and hold a full driving license.
The role requires a proven track record in controlling and reducing external spend while developing a strong supplier base, alongside the ability to introduce innovative ideas to purchasing activities.
How to apply: If interested in this opportunity, please forward a copy of your CV to me or call the main office landline to discuss the opportunity further on a confidential basis
Buyer in Saint Neots employer: Cityscape Recruitment
Cityscape Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the construction sector. Located in St Albans, employees benefit from a competitive salary, car allowance, and annual bonuses, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of exciting projects across London, where your expertise will be recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Saint Neots
✨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 Cityscape Recruitment, 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 at Cityscape Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Saint Neots
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 Cityscape Recruitment
✨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!
