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- Tasks: Join our team to manage procurement and negotiate with suppliers for construction materials.
- Company: A growing regional housebuilder with a strong pipeline of projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension, 25 days leave, and bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving cost efficiencies and supporting exciting construction projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in housebuilding, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for cost management.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A regional housebuilder has an opportunity for a Buyer to join their commercial team for a 9 month fixed term contract (start July). The company has a healthy pipeline of work with plans to grow as a business over the next 5 years.
Buyer role
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, you will deliver a commercial procurement strategy in line with the business plan and business direction and growth. You will support the commercial team, providing input and advice to deliver cost efficiencies and fulfil the procurement function ensuring policies and procedures are adhered to.
Duties and responsibilities
- Support value added and cost-control culture throughout the Company
- Adhere to robust processes and procedures in a consistent manner across all divisions that deliver a tight rein on cost control via the supply chain
- Support the procurement lifecycle of the business
- Preparing and sending out enquiries for materials and selected Sub-Contract services
- Assist with the sub-contractor tender process, analyse tenders, compare figures with budget estimates
- Lead negotiations of terms with suppliers
- Support the commercial team with preparing site budgets
- Control and produce a full material pre-start budget for sign off
- Preparing and issuing main scheduled material orders
- Manage general daily order requirements and handle resolution of monthly invoice queries
- Manage material take offs and scheduling of bulk materials
- Regularly attend team meetings and site visits to ensure the production team have the procurement support required and support them in managing any discrepancies
- Managing hired plant requirements, monitoring and reporting
- Policing and enforcing specification adherence
- Consistently conduct pricing exercises and explore new opportunities
- Review tender drawings and input to any amends required or raise any red flags
- Create, cultivate and develop a portfolio of suppliers
Skills and experience
- Previous housebuilding experience
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
- Commercially focused with a passion for identifying costs, risks and opportunities
- Takes accountability for decisions and evaluates opportunity to enhance company profitability
- Professional and knowledgeable with the ability to build trust and credibility with people and suppliers
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Cost awareness and ability to support the team in managing, reporting and providing commentary on budgets
- Implement the commercial strategy, working closely with the Directors to achieve business plan
- Good understanding of procurement processes
- COINS experience advantageous
The company is offering a competitive salary, dependent on level of experience, car allowance, salary sacrifice option, pension up to 7%, 25 days leave, company bonus scheme and additional company benefits.
Construction Buyer employer: Fawkes and Reece
Contact Detail:
Fawkes and Reece Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the construction industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work. Bring up specific projects they’ve done and how your skills can help them achieve their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate terms with suppliers. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications all in one place!
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your previous housebuilding experience and any relevant procurement skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our commercial team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation and communication skills in your application. We’re looking for someone who can build trust with suppliers and manage budgets effectively, so make sure these come through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes and Reece
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Construction Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost control and budgeting. Brush up on key figures related to procurement and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. This will show that you can contribute to the company's cost-efficiency goals.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is a big part of the Buyer role. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, particularly in the construction sector. Highlight how you achieved favourable terms with suppliers and how those decisions positively impacted your previous employers.
✨Understand the Procurement Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the procurement lifecycle specific to construction. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach each stage, from preparing enquiries to managing supplier relationships. This shows that you’re not just familiar with the process but can actively contribute to it.
✨Build Rapport with the Team
The role involves working closely with the commercial team and production staff. During the interview, express your enthusiasm for collaboration and share experiences where teamwork led to successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their culture and support their objectives.