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- Tasks: Join our team as a Buyer, managing procurement and supplier relationships in construction.
- Company: Criterion Capital is a dynamic developer transforming properties into residential and hotel spaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while honing your negotiation and financial skills in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in construction buying; relevant qualifications are a plus but not essential.
- Other info: A proactive mindset and excellent communication skills are key to thriving in this role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Piccadilly Construction, our in-house Contraction Management Team, is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Buyer/Senior Buyer to assist with the purchasing and procurement. This role requires someone to assist the Procurement Manager in the buying arrangements in respect of our construction and maintenance activities.
- Negotiate the best possible supply chain arrangements with key materials suppliers.
- Develop long-term strategic relationships with suppliers to ensure economies of scale are maximized.
- Schedule and place material and plant orders optimizing cost and quality.
- Check Architects/Engineers drawings for discrepancies and compliance with the required material specification, resolving any queries with the relevant consultants/architects team.
- Produce material cost schedules and budgets for new projects and monitor material costs to ensure budgets are not exceeded.
- Produce schedules for material enquiries, sending to suppliers for costing and assessing quotations and suppliers' schedules to ensure they are correct.
- Project and report material cost increases as they arise.
- Resolve invoice queries with the accounts team.
- Carry out material on-site checks and produce reports as required.
- Attend sites frequently to ensure there are no problems with supplies/materials.
- Negotiate arrangements with suppliers and raise orders for the wider business as required including for property maintenance, sales and marketing where value may be added from strategic procurement.
- Maintain effective relationships in order to ensure the successful delivery of projects with all relevant stakeholders including contractors and suppliers, in-house teams, consultants and specialist advisors as required.
- Other duties as required by the employer.
About You:
- A demonstrable understanding of construction industry procurement.
- Knowledge of how to deliver an effective buying function in the construction industry.
- A good understanding of the materials supply chain.
- A ‘can-do’ attitude with a willingness to challenge conventional thinking.
- A pro-active, positive thinking, commercially minded approach with the ability to work at pace.
- Excellent financial and numerical skills including budget and cashflow management.
- Excellent negotiation skills.
- Good communication skills (written, oral).
- Ability to plan and prioritise workloads.
- Ability to control and manage costs.
- A minimum of 2 years experience of buying within a construction business.
- A relevant qualification is desirable but not essential.
Criterion Capital is an entrepreneurial hands-on developer and asset manager of Residential, Hotel, and Commercial properties. We have a vertically integrated platform of sector specialists that convert end of life buildings to residential and hotel uses.
Buyer employer: Criterion Capital
Contact Detail:
Criterion Capital Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the construction industry's supply chain. Understanding the nuances of procurement in this sector will give you an edge when discussing your experience and knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction industry, especially those involved in procurement. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers in the past. Highlighting your negotiation skills with real-life scenarios can demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and challenges in the construction materials market. Being knowledgeable about recent developments will show your commitment to the role and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and buying within the construction industry. Emphasise your negotiation skills and any specific projects where you successfully managed supplier relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention how your proactive approach and understanding of the materials supply chain align with the job requirements. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your financial and numerical skills, as well as your ability to manage budgets and costs. Provide examples of how you've successfully controlled costs in previous roles, which is crucial for this position.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Think about common interview questions related to procurement and buying in construction. Be ready to discuss your experience with supplier negotiations and how you've resolved discrepancies in material specifications.
How to prepare for a job interview at Criterion Capital
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of procurement processes specific to the construction industry. Be ready to discuss how you can optimise supply chain arrangements and what strategies you've used in the past to negotiate with suppliers.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in previous roles. Highlight how you achieved cost savings or improved supplier relationships, as this will show your potential employer that you can add value to their procurement team.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with budget management and cost control. Bring examples of how you've monitored material costs and ensured budgets were adhered to, as this is crucial for the Buyer role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since good communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to explain complex ideas simply, especially when discussing discrepancies in drawings or resolving queries with consultants.
