Buyer – Construction & Engineering Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent About the Role We are recruiting for an experienced Buyer to join an established construction and engineering business delivering specialist projects across the UK. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional to take responsibility for purchasing materials, equipment and services, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, on time and within budget. Working closely with project managers, site teams, commercial departments and suppliers, you will play a key role in supporting procurement activities across multiple projects while maintaining strong supplier relationships and achieving value for money. Key Responsibilities Manage day-to-day purchasing activities for construction and engineering projects. Source materials, plant, equipment and subcontractor services in line with project requirements. Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers, negotiating competitive prices and favourable terms. Raise and process purchase orders, ensuring accuracy and compliance with internal procedures. Monitor supplier performance, delivery schedules and material availability to support project programmes. Work closely with project managers, site teams and commercial departments to identify procurement requirements. Build and maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers while identifying new supply chain opportunities. Track orders and resolve issues relating to deliveries, quality, pricing and availability. Support cost-saving initiatives and identify opportunities to improve procurement efficiency. Maintain accurate purchasing records and ensure all procurement documentation is up to date. Ensure materials and services meet project specifications, quality standards and relevant health and safety requirements. Assist with the management of procurement budgets and reporting on purchasing activity. About You The successful candidate will ideally have: Previous experience in a Buyer or Procurement role within construction, civil engineering, manufacturing or a related engineering environment. Strong commercial awareness and the ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers. Experience sourcing construction materials, plant, equipment and subcontractor services. Good organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple orders and competing project deadlines. Strong communication and relationship-building skills. A proactive approach to problem-solving and supplier management. Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and purchasing or ERP systems. The ability to work independently while supporting a wider project and commercial team. Desirable Experience Experience working within civil engineering, infrastructure or specialist construction projects. Knowledge of construction materials, plant hire and subcontractor procurement. Experience working with project teams across multiple sites. Familiarity with procurement systems, purchase order processes and supplier performance monitoring. What's on Offer? Competitive salary, dependent on experience. Permanent opportunity with an established construction and engineering business. Exposure to a varied portfolio of projects. The opportunity to take ownership of procurement activities and develop supplier relationships. A supportive working environment with opportunities for professional development. Company benefits package, to be discussed at interview. How to Apply If you have experience in purchasing or procurement within construction or engineering and are looking for your next career opportunity, we would be keen to hear from you. Apply today with your CV to be considered for this position
Buyer in East Kilbride employer: Conrad Consulting Ltd
Join a dynamic and supportive civil engineering team in Maidstone, where your expertise as a Civil Drainage Engineer will be valued and nurtured. With a focus on professional development, you'll have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects while enjoying a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and growth. Our competitive salary package, coupled with comprehensive benefits, makes this an ideal place for engineers looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in East Kilbride
✨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 Conrad Consulting Ltd, 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 Conrad Consulting Ltd.
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 Conrad Consulting Ltd
✨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!
