Senior Buyer

Senior Buyer

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Source and purchase materials for construction projects while building strong supplier relationships.
  • Company: Join Coinford, a family-run business prioritising safety, quality, and employee development.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, yoga sessions, and training opportunities.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with regular social events and excellent career progression.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the construction industry with a supportive team and growth potential.
  • Qualifications: Significant buying experience in construction and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Company Overview: At Coinford, we are committed to being the contractor of choice for our clients and the employer of choice for our people. We attract and retain talented individuals who deliver win-win solutions across all operations. Our innovative and courageous approach is supported by structured training and development. We prioritise safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, ensuring a positive experience for all. As a successful family-run business, we take pride in our heritage and the strong values that have been passed down through generations. It's a testament to our success that multiple generations of the same families choose to work with us, affirming that we are on the right path to becoming an employer of choice. Join us and be part of a team that values professionalism, integrity, and excellence.

We are committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. As a leading company in the construction industry, we recognise the value of investing in our employees' development.

Role Overview: Reporting into the Head of Procurement, the Senior Buyer position is an integral and key role, working closely with estimating, commercial, and project delivery teams to maintain strong supplier relationships, driving value throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will be an experienced construction Senior Buyer holding existing relationships with vendors, manufacturers, and subcontractors. Additionally, you will have excellent prior civils/groundworks product range knowledge, able to influence and manage externally and internally for the betterment of the business. This role works out of our Head office, Redeham Hall in Smallfield, Surrey.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Source, select, and purchase materials and services for construction projects.
  • Build, maintain and grow relationships with new and existing vendors and suppliers, negotiating prices and supply terms.
  • Ensure all purchases meet project specifications, timelines, and budget constraints.
  • Provide input on material selection and suitability based on cost, availability, and quality.
  • Manage end-to-end subcontract supply chain, from pre-tender stage to formal SC appraisal, tendering of works, contract award and post contract performance reviews.
  • Build, maintain and grow relationships with new and existing sub-contractors.
  • Manage and respond to site communications (email and calls) regarding SC queries in a professional collaborative time-efficient manner.
  • Work collaboratively with estimating, commercial and construction teams to understand project requirements including any budgetary constraints.
  • Evaluate and propose sub-contractors based on quality, cost, performance, and reliability.
  • Analyse cost-saving opportunities and implement strategies to reduce waste and optimise vendor and sub-contractor performance.
  • Provide regular updates on subcontract activities.
  • Collaborate with key persons to ensure clarity of specifications and expectations of the company.
  • Attend sites frequently to review, record and report sub-contractor performance.

The above list of duties is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope of their role.

Experience / skills required:

  • Significant buying experience in the construction industry.
  • Previous subcontract buying experience is preferable.
  • Commercial mindset.
  • Excellent negotiation, communication and soft skills.
  • Understanding of construction materials and industry standards.
  • Strong organisational and project management skills.
  • Proficiency in procurement software and MS Office.
  • Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to work collaboratively.
  • Proven organisational and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum GCSE or equivalent qualification in English and Mathematics.
  • CIPS qualified or actively working towards qualification.

Benefits:

  • Pension & Salary Sacrifice Scheme – Helping you save for the future with tax-efficient contributions.
  • 25 Days Annual Leave – Plus bank holidays, ensuring a healthy work-life balance.
  • Weekly Yoga Sessions – Relax and recharge with company-sponsored yoga every Wednesday.
  • Death in Service Insurance Scheme – Providing financial security for your loved ones.
  • Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – Confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
  • Training & Development Opportunities – Invest in your growth with learning and career progression support.
  • Regular company social events - To foster connection, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.
  • Free On-Site Parking.

Senior Buyer employer: Coinford

At Coinford, we pride ourselves on being an employer of choice, offering a supportive and innovative work environment that prioritises safety, quality, and employee development. Our commitment to continuous learning is complemented by a strong sense of community, with regular social events and wellness initiatives like weekly yoga sessions. Located in Smallfield, Surrey, our family-run business fosters long-lasting relationships, ensuring that our employees feel valued and empowered to grow within the construction industry.

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Contact Details:

Coinford Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer

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 Coinford.

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 Senior Buyer

Buying Experience in Construction Industry
Subcontract Buying Experience
Commercial Mindset
Negotiation Skills
Communication Skills
Understanding of Construction Materials
Knowledge of Industry Standards

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 Coinford:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Coinford. 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 Coinford.

How to prepare for a job interview at Coinford

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 Coinford!

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 Coinford. 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 Coinford's culture.