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- Tasks: Support procurement of construction materials and negotiate with suppliers for the best value.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to ethical and sustainable sourcing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension, private medical, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and excellent communication abilities.
- Other info: Opportunities for training, career progression, and a supportive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
First Military Recruitment are currently seeking an Assistant Buyer on behalf of one of our clients. You will be responsible for providing a material supply service whilst working with and supporting other business needs. You will be communicating with internal business units, external suppliers, trade bodies and associations to achieve the best value on goods and services whilst being mindful of where materials are coming from within the supply chain, and ensuring the company continues to source ethically and sustainably. Our client encourages applications from ex-military personnel; however, all candidates will be given due consideration.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Procuring construction materials and related services across all operational sectors.
- Carrying out supplier selection, evaluating quotations and negotiating prices and logistics.
- Proactively identifying market trends, product and industry developments and supply chain innovations through the engagement of external partners.
- Providing commercial assistance on the contracts you are procuring for.
- Working with and supporting internal business needs regarding commercial and product awareness at all stages of the construction process.
- Ensuring continuous communication with other team members to review contract progress and address associated issues immediately.
- Maintaining full knowledge and understanding of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure a professional and auditable procurement contract is in place.
- Operating within financial governance levels.
- Managing work priorities and maximising efficiencies.
- Maintaining positive supplier relationships.
- Adherence to procurement procedures.
- Maintenance and upkeep of order and supply chain records utilising the company’s purchase order system and procedures.
- Providing reports, data and other material identified by the Procurement Manager relating to the department and whole business requirements, including KPIs.
- Submitting detailed analysis to procurement and project teams for approval in line with governance.
- To provide evidence of best value regarding procurement, which may include commercial betterment, quality and efficiency.
- To evidence supply chain engagement, including performance management under company objectives.
Skills and Qualifications:
- Relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the rail or construction/engineering industry.
- Experienced negotiator, with the ability to establish long-term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain.
- Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets.
- Finely tuned communication skills regarding engaging with external and internal parties, including a confident and professional telephone manner.
- Excellent computer literacy with experience using Microsoft Office packages.
- In-house purchasing systems.
- Ability to cope with a demanding, fast-paced environment, ensuring deadlines are met.
- Ability to make decisions using own initiative and work as part of a team.
Desirable:
- CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS.
- Relevant degree or equivalent/or qualified by experience (QBE).
- A full UK driving licence.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Life assurance.
- Private medical.
- Profit share scheme.
- 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days.
- 8 hours leave of absence for volunteering.
- Employee assistance programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing.
- Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice.
- Company vehicle allowance depending on position.
- Leadership & management training and coaching.
- Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression.
- Development supported by internal and externally delivered training.
- Continuous service awards.
Assistant Buyer in Walsall employer: First Military Recruitment
Contact Detail:
First Military Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Assistant Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its supply chain practices. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their ethical sourcing goals and demonstrate your commercial awareness.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! During interviews, share examples of how you've successfully negotiated prices or built strong supplier relationships. This will highlight your experience and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Buyer role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement, especially in construction or engineering. We want to see how your skills match 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 passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of ethical sourcing and supply chain management.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be liaising with suppliers and internal teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application, and maybe even share an example of a successful negotiation or collaboration.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Military Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Assistant Buyer inside out. Familiarise yourself with procurement processes, supplier selection, and market trends in the construction industry. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is key in this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated prices or terms. Be ready to discuss how you build long-term relationships with suppliers and how you handle challenging situations.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial for this job. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked about how you would communicate with internal teams or external suppliers, so think of specific scenarios where you’ve demonstrated strong communication skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of budget control and how you can contribute to achieving best value in procurement. Bring up any relevant experience you have with financial governance and how you’ve managed budgets in previous roles.
