At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement in the M&E construction sector by sourcing materials and managing supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the thriving construction industry.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Exciting career path with hands-on experience and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in construction while developing your skills in procurement.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualification in procurement or construction and 1-2 years' experience.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The role is a new position within the business operating as an Assistant Buyer. To support the procurement and purchasing function within the M&E construction sector by assisting in the acquisition of materials, equipment, and services at competitive prices. The Assistant Buyer will ensure all purchasing aligns with project timelines, budgets, and quality standards while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Reporting to: Head of Procurement
Working Hours: Mon - Fri, 8am - 5pm
Probation Period: 3 months
Job Location: Site Based
Start Date: Immediate
The role will include ensuring existing and new supply chain members have been appropriately onboarded utilising the company ISO compliant process and procedures. Day to day operations are also to be conducted in-line with commercial best practices, financial compliance and in a manner that provides full audit traceability from source of enquiry through to delivery to the end user.
Person Specification
- Qualifications & Experience
- Relevant qualification in procurement, supply chain, or construction (e.g., CIPS) (E)
- Experience in procurement/buying in construction or M&E sectors (E)
- Knowledge of M&E materials, tools, and equipment (E)
- 1-2 years' experience in purchasing/procurement within construction/engineering/M&E (E)
- Experience managing waste systems and Waste Transfer Notes (E)
- PAT testing experience (D)
- Knowledge
- Proficient in Excel (budgeting/tracking) and Word (documentation) (E)
- Skilled in online inventory management and stock finance (E)
- Understand construction lifecycle and procurement integration (E)
- Ability to read basic technical drawings/specifications (E)
- Awareness of HSE regulations, PPE, and data security (D)
- Skills
- Strong planning, organisational, and record-keeping skills (E)
- Confident communicator; builds strong supplier and stakeholder relationships (E)
- Negotiation and influencing skills (E)
- Stock audits and reporting ability (E/D)
- Proficient in digital tools (Microsoft 365 or similar) (D)
- Other
- Full UK driving licence; willing to travel to sites (E)
- Comfortable with physical aspects of the role (manual handling, working at height) (E)
- Flexible for occasional out-of-hours work (D)
- Positive attitude towards learning and development (D)
Key Duties
- Source and purchase M&E construction materials, tools, and equipment
- Ensure timely delivery to meet project deadlines
- Track daily sales, weekly trade, and procurement actions
- Obtain quotes, negotiate pricing, and manage supplier relationships
- Raise and track purchase orders, resolve delays or discrepancies
- Manage procurement budgets and critical paths
- Prepare reports on cost savings and supplier performance
- Ensure compliance with company policies, project specs, and regulations
- Oversee samples, approvals, and fit sessions
- Support buyer in meetings, lessons learned, and range-building
- Manage stores at Dock Street, ensuring policy compliance
Assistant Buyer in Chelmsford employer: East West Connect Ltd
East West Connect Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises the health and safety of its employees while fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. With a strong commitment to employee growth through ongoing training and development, alongside attractive benefits such as a pension scheme and life insurance, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in shaping a positive safety culture within the organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Chelmsford
✨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 East West Connect Ltd.
✨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 Chelmsford
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 East West Connect Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to East West Connect Ltd. 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 East West Connect Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at East West Connect Ltd
✨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 East West Connect Ltd!
✨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 East West Connect Ltd. 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 East West Connect Ltd's culture.
