At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and purchase materials for exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: Reputable civil engineering contractor with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a stable company and make an impact on major infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in materials buying within construction and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Preston
Salary/Package: £55,000 - £65,000 DOE + Car Allowance
About the Company: A well-established and highly respected civil engineering and groundworks contractor delivering projects across the North West and wider UK. Operating for several decades, the business has built a strong reputation for quality delivery across infrastructure, residential, commercial, and reinforced concrete projects. The company is known for its collaborative culture, long-standing workforce, and commitment to delivering projects safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.
The Role: As Senior Materials Buyer, you will play a key role within the procurement team, taking responsibility for the sourcing and purchasing of materials across multiple civils and groundwork projects. You will work closely with commercial, operational, and supply chain teams to ensure materials are procured competitively, delivered on time, and aligned with project requirements. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced buyer looking to join a stable and growing contractor with a strong pipeline of work across the region.
Responsibilities:
- Procuring materials in line with project programmes and budgets
- Managing supplier relationships and negotiating competitive rates
- Monitoring market trends and identifying cost-saving opportunities
- Working closely with site teams and commercial departments to ensure material availability
- Raising purchase orders and maintaining procurement records
- Managing and developing the supply chain network
- Ensuring compliance with company procedures and procurement policies
- Supporting the wider procurement strategy across multiple live projects
The Ideal Candidate:
- Previous experience in a Materials Buyer or Senior Buyer position within construction or civil engineering
- Strong knowledge of groundworks, infrastructure, or civil engineering materials
- Excellent negotiation and supplier management skills
- The ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively
- Strong commercial awareness and cost management capability
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and procurement systems
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- A proactive and team-oriented approach
What's on Offer:
- Salary of £55,000 - £65,000 DOE
- Car allowance
- Long-term career progression opportunities
- Stable pipeline of secured work
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Opportunity to join a reputable and growing contractor
If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris.
Senior Materials Buyer in Preston, Lancashire employer: Energy Jobline CVL
As a Senior Materials Buyer at our well-established civil engineering and groundworks contractor in Preston, you will thrive in a supportive and collaborative work environment that values quality delivery and employee growth. With a competitive salary, car allowance, and long-term career progression opportunities, you will be part of a stable team dedicated to excellence across a diverse range of projects in the North West and beyond.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Materials Buyer in Preston, Lancashire
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and civil engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and get insider info on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects and achievements as a Materials Buyer. This will give you an edge during interviews and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to procurement and supplier management. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for jobs like the Senior Materials Buyer position. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Materials Buyer in Preston, Lancashire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Materials Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within construction or civil engineering, and showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities of the role. We love a good story that shows your passion for materials buying.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Office and any procurement systems you’ve used. We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple projects effectively, so make sure to mention your organisational skills and commercial awareness.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline CVL
✨Know Your Materials
As a Senior Materials Buyer, it's crucial to have a solid understanding of the materials you'll be sourcing. Brush up on the latest trends in civil engineering and groundworks materials. Be prepared to discuss specific materials you've worked with and how they impacted project outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role, so come ready to share examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Think about how you managed supplier relationships and secured competitive rates. This will demonstrate your ability to add value to the procurement team.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Awareness
The company values strong commercial awareness, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed budgets and identified cost-saving opportunities in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with market analysis and how it influenced your purchasing decisions.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, emphasise your collaborative approach. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with site teams and commercial departments to ensure material availability and project success. This will show that you're a team player who fits well with their culture.
