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- Tasks: Manage materials procurement for exciting residential building projects.
- Company: Join a well-established and respected name in residential development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, collaborative culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in delivering high-quality housing and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction and materials buying, with strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement and teamwork.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Cobalt is working with a well-established residential housebuilder to appoint a Buyer to support live sites and head office operations, managing materials procurement from tender through to final delivery.
The organisation is a recognised name in residential development, known for delivering high-quality housing schemes and maintaining strong relationships across its supply chain. The culture is collaborative, professional and detail-focused, with close alignment between commercial, technical and site teams.
The role involves reporting into senior commercial leadership, where the Buyer will play a key role in the procurement and cost control of materials across multiple housing sites.
Key responsibilities include:
- Preparing and issuing material schedules to suppliers for tender.
- Analysing supplier returns and recommending preferred options to management.
- Preparing and monitoring budget cost documents through to completion.
- Sourcing local suppliers and negotiating competitive commercial terms.
- Liaising with site teams to manage shortages, delivery issues and material losses.
- Attending site meetings and working closely with head office functions.
- Ensuring national supply agreements are utilised where appropriate.
- Checking invoices against delivery tickets and purchase orders.
- Using COINS for order placement and supplier payments.
- Maintaining accurate records for plant, equipment and health & safety materials.
- Assisting with subcontractor procurement and surveying support when required.
Skills and experience required:
- A sound construction background with residential housebuilding experience.
- Working knowledge of materials buying and supplier tendering.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Experience using COINS or a similar construction finance system.
- Confident using Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to work collaboratively with site and office-based teams.
- A professional, reliable and organised approach to work.
Interviews are expected to take place shortly, so early applications are encouraged. Apply now to avoid missing out. Due to the volume of applications received, if you do not hear back from us, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. If you require any reasonable adjustments or additional support during the recruitment process, please let your Cobalt consultant know.
Buyer in Swanley employer: Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd
Contact Detail:
Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Swanley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and residential development sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their procurement processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Buyer role! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Swanley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your background in residential housebuilding and any relevant procurement experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Buyer role. Share specific examples of your negotiation skills and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we value strong technical abilities, mention your experience with COINS or similar systems. Don’t forget to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, as these are key tools for the role.
Apply Early!: We encourage you to apply through our website as soon as possible. With interviews happening shortly, getting your application in early will give you the best chance to stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cobalt Consulting (UK) Ltd
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of construction materials and procurement processes. Being able to discuss specific materials and their applications will show that you’re not just familiar with the role, but that you’re genuinely interested in it.
✨Master the Numbers
Since budgeting and cost control are key parts of the Buyer role, be prepared to talk about your experience with budget management. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed costs in previous roles, and be ready to discuss how you would approach budgeting for multiple housing sites.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a big part of this job, so think of some scenarios where you’ve successfully negotiated terms with suppliers. Be ready to explain your strategy and the outcomes, as this will demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals for the company.
✨Be Collaborative
This role requires working closely with both site teams and head office functions. Prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively collaborated with different teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where communication was key to overcoming challenges or achieving goals.
