Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to manage procurement and negotiate with suppliers for construction projects.
- Company: A growing regional housebuilder with a strong pipeline of work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension, 25 days leave, and bonus scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career 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.
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, 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.
If you are interested in the role, and would like to apply, please contact Deena at Fawkes & Reece on (phone number removed) or apply via the link.
Construction Buyer employer: Fawkes & Reece London
Contact Detail:
Fawkes & Reece London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Buyer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨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 and how you can contribute to their growth over the next five years.
✨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 get comfortable discussing costs and making deals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and contributing to their procurement strategy.
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 Construction Buyer role. Highlight your previous housebuilding experience and any relevant procurement skills. We want to see how you can add value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for cost control and procurement, and don’t forget to mention any specific achievements that demonstrate your skills.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, give examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated terms with suppliers. We love to see how you can bring those skills to our commercial team!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fawkes & Reece London
✨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 processes 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 role, so prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about specific situations where you secured better terms with suppliers or saved costs for your previous employer. This will highlight your ability to drive value for the company.
✨Understand the Procurement Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the procurement lifecycle and be prepared to discuss how you’ve supported this process in previous roles. Knowing how to manage supplier relationships and handle tender processes will set you apart as a candidate who understands the full scope of the job.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about challenges you've faced in procurement or construction and how you resolved them. This will help the interviewers see your critical thinking and decision-making abilities in action.