At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement by managing purchase orders and supplier communications.
- Company: Join Doocey Group, a family-run contractor with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for training and career advancement.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement and develop valuable skills in a growing company.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in Maths and English; previous experience is a plus but not essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Doocey Group is a long-established, family-run utility and civil engineering contractor with over 40 years of industry experience. Built on strong Black Country values, we pride ourselves on integrity, reliability, responsiveness and a commitment to delivering high standards in everything we do.
Over the past 10 years, Doocey Group has experienced significant growth, achieved through consistently delivering high-quality work for our clients, including National Grid and South Staffordshire Water. Our success is built to deliver safely and reliably in a fast-paced and often challenging environment.
As we approach a turnover of £100m, this marks an important milestone in our journey and reflects the hard work, ambition and dedication of our teams across the business. If you are looking to join a growing organisation that values hard work, loyalty and ambition, you will feel right at home at Doocey Group.
We are looking for a Junior Buyer to support our procurement function in the efficient and compliant acquisition of materials, plant and services for the business. This role will focus on transactional procurement activity, supplier coordination and administrative support, while providing the opportunity to develop core procurement, commercial and supply chain skills.
Working within the procurement team, the Junior Buyer will help ensure purchase orders, supplier communications, records and reporting activity are completed accurately and efficiently, supporting operational teams across the Civil’s business unit.
Responsibilities
- Raise purchase orders in line with approved requisitions
- Obtain quotations from approved suppliers to support cost-effective purchasing decisions
- Process delivery notes and goods received information within procurement systems
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date procurement records
- Track orders and follow up on deliveries and outstanding items
- Communicate order details, delivery updates and relevant information to operational teams
- Liaise with suppliers to support order fulfilment and help resolve queries or issues
- Respond to internal procurement queries received via the shared inbox and telephone
- Escalate pricing, delivery or supplier issues to the Buyer where required
- Assist with weekly procurement reporting and data collation
- Support month-end reporting processes
- Maintain supplier records and pricing information
- Support system implementation activity and procurement process improvements
- Develop knowledge of procurement processes, cost control and supply chain operations
- Participate in training and professional development, including potential CIPS pathway development
- Provide cover for procurement administration functions as required
Personal Qualities
- Highly organised, with strong attention to detail
- Proactive and results-driven approach
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal stakeholders and suppliers
- Analytical mindset with good problem-solving skills
- Commercially aware, with an interest in negotiation and cost-effective purchasing
- Willingness to learn and develop within a busy procurement environment
Technical Skills & Experience
- Previous administrative or entry-level procurement experience is desirable but not essential
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
Qualifications & Training
- GCSEs Grades 4-9 or equivalent in Maths and English
Additional Information
Doocey Group value a diverse workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics.
Please note that we operate with a preferred supplier list and will not accept unsolicited CVs from recruitment agencies with whom we do not have an existing agreement.
By submitting your application, you consent to Doocey Group retaining your CV, application details, and personal information for the purpose of considering you for current and future employment opportunities. Your information will be stored securely and will only be shared internally as necessary.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Buyer in Birmingham
✨Get into the Right Communities
Join online forums and local meetups tailored to procurement and purchasing professionals. Groups on platforms like LinkedIn can be super helpful for connecting with seasoned pros and staying updated on industry trends. It's a great way for us to learn the ropes and find out about potential job openings!
✨Leverage Your University Network
If you're still at uni or just graduated, tap into your career services! They often have connections with companies looking for entry-level procurement talent. Plus, attending career fairs can put you face-to-face with employers—like Doocey Group—who are keen to discover fresh talent.
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
Consider volunteering for projects or internships that allow you to demonstrate your procurement skills. Whether it’s managing resources for an event or helping local businesses streamline their purchasing process, these hands-on experiences can make your application stand out and show hiring managers your ability to contribute.
✨Don't Just Stick to Online Applications
While applying through our website is a must, be proactive! Reach out to potential employers directly, like Doocey Group. A polite email expressing your interest in their entry-level roles could make a memorable impression. You never know what doors might open if you take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Buyer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Skills:For an entry-level role in procurement and purchasing, it’s super important to showcase any analytical skills, attention to detail, and organisational abilities. If you've done any projects or coursework relevant to supply chain management or procurement in your studies, make sure to mention that experience in your CV!
Show Your Passion for Procurement:Use your cover letter to express your interest in procurement and why you're excited about this specific opportunity at Doocey Group. Talk about your eagerness to learn and how you can contribute to their purchasing strategy. A little enthusiasm can go a long way!
Include Any Relevant Experience:Even if you don’t have direct procurement experience, consider including any internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, relationship building, or project management. These transferable skills are just as important for an entry-level role!
Tailor Your Application for Doocey Group:When applying, take the time to customise your CV and cover letter for Doocey Group. Mention their values and any specific procurement challenges they face that you’d love to help with. This shows not just your effort, but also your genuine interest in the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Doocey Group
✨Get to Grips with Basic Procurement Concepts
Before your interview for the Junior Buyer at Doocey Group, brush up on key procurement terms and processes. Knowing the difference between strategic sourcing and operational purchasing can go a long way in showcasing your knowledge and eagerness to learn!
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Procurement relies heavily on analysis, so be prepared to tackle some case studies or numerical questions during your interview. Reflect on any academic projects or coursework where you've used data analysis to make purchasing decisions, as these will highlight your problem-solving skills to the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Entry-level roles often focus on your potential rather than extensive experience. Get ready for behavioural questions that explore how you handle teamwork or problem-solving. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and relate them back to any group projects or internships you've done.
✨Research Current Trends in Procurement
Being up-to-date with the latest trends can set you apart as a fresh candidate eager to contribute. Familiarise yourself with sustainable sourcing practices or digital procurement technologies, and bring these up during your interview to impress the hiring team at Doocey Group with your insights!
