At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the commercial team in purchasing materials and building supplier relationships.
- Company: Reputable regional main contractor with a strong cash position.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent career opportunities, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a growing company and make an impact in diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Industry-related qualifications and construction buying experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Southampton
Salary: £35K- £45K per Year
Contract: Permanent
Type: Full Time
Reference: AABUYER_
Posted: July 27, 2026
We have an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buyer to join a reputable regional main contractor based in Southampton. The business is privately owned and undertakes projects across the public and private sectors including within education, commercial, light industrial, healthcare and social housing valuing up to £15mil. As a result of continued growth within the business, they're now looking to bring an Assistant Buyer into the team.
About the role of Assistant Buyer:
As Assistant Buyer, you will be supporting the commercial team in all aspects of material and plant purchasing for the business unit. You will be responsible for building and maintaining supplier relationships and offer support in processing orders, managing data and resolving queries.
Key Responsibilities as Assistant Buyer:
- Assist Senior Buyer in preparing and updating procurement schedules
- Process and produce purchase orders ensuring all supporting documents are accurate and in agreed formats
- Liaise with project teams and regional offices
- Contact suppliers to obtain quotes and negotiate terms under supervision of the Senior Buyer
- Maintain and regularly update key material rates database
- Help analyse tender returns by collating prices, products and specifications for review
- Build and maintain key supplier relationships
Requirements for this Assistant Buyer role:
- Hold industry related qualifications
- Experience in Buying from a construction background is highly advantageous
- Willingness to learn
- Be a team-player
- Must live in a commutable distance to Southampton and be happy to travel to sites as required
- Must have the full right to work in the UK
What's on offer for this Assistant Buyer role:
- Basic salary + Benefits
- Excellent career opportunities within procurement / the wider commercial team
- Excellent team and business in strong cash position
Assistant Buyer in Southampton employer: Fawkes and Reece
Join a dynamic team as a Painter in Nottingham, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and offer competitive pay of £20 per hour. With opportunities for growth and the potential for contract extension, this role not only allows you to showcase your skills on a new build school scheme but also fosters a collaborative environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Southampton
✨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 Fawkes and Reece.
✨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 Southampton
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 Fawkes and Reece:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Fawkes and Reece. 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 Fawkes and Reece.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes and Reece
✨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 Fawkes and Reece!
✨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 Fawkes and Reece. 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 Fawkes and Reece's culture.
