At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and manage commercial aspects of construction projects.
- Company: Join Colten, a dynamic team in residential and care home development.
- Benefits: Up to £45,000 salary, car allowance, 25 days leave, and public holidays.
- Other info: Opportunity for site visits and real impact on project success.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in buying within a supportive, hands-on team.
- Qualifications: Organised, commercially aware, with communication and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Ringwood, Hampshire
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £45,000 per annum (doe) + car allowance + 25 days annual leave + public holidays
Join Our Team
Colten are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Buyer to join our residential and care home Development and Refurbishment team based in Ringwood, Hampshire.
The Role
Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the commercial and procurement functions across a variety of care home and housing development and refurbishment projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in buying within a compact hands-on team in a modern office environment.
As an Assistant Buyer, you will actively assist in managing the commercial aspects of projects from procurement through to final account, helping to safeguard the company's financial position while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The role will demand that you work independently but with the support of the Commercial Manager and Construction Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement of construction materials.
- Assist in preparing and distributing tender and contract documentation.
- Negotiate competitive prices and terms with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Maintain the master services and procurement workload tracker.
- Support the commercial management of projects from procurement through to final account.
- Process orders, valuations, payments and variations.
- Issue out the latest drawings and documentation to suppliers to ensure they are working to the latest information on site.
- Monitor project costs, budgets and cash flow, contributing to accurate monthly cost reporting.
- Maintain procurement schedules and commercial records throughout each project.
- Attend project and commercial meetings, providing updates on project costs and commercial performance.
- The role will be office based but will require regular site visits to monitor progress and ensure that materials are on site to meet the build programme.
- Ensure compliance with company procedures and policies.
About You
You will be organised, commercially aware and eager to develop your career within the construction industry. Ideally, you'll have previous experience in a Buying or Commercial role and possess excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills. A relevant qualification (or working towards one) in Construction Management or a related discipline would be advantageous, along with knowledge of procurement processes, subcontract administration and construction contracts.
Assistant Buyer in Ringwood employer: Colten Care
Colten Care is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing work environment in Christchurch where you can thrive both personally and professionally. With a strong emphasis on career development and a supportive team culture, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while providing outstanding care to residents and visitors. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values your contributions and fosters a sense of community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Ringwood
✨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 Colten Care.
✨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 Assistant Buyer in Ringwood
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 Colten Care:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Colten Care. 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 Colten Care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Colten Care
✨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 Colten Care!
✨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 Colten Care. 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 Colten Care's culture.
