At a Glance
- Tasks: Support buyers in sourcing materials and services for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join Gilbert-Ash, a leading employee-owned construction business in Belfast.
- Benefits: Receive training, mentorship, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team recognised as one of the Best Places to Work.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in buying while promoting sustainability in construction.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in Business or related field; experience in procurement is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 € per year.
This is an exciting opportunity for a graduate from a construction, business, administration, finance, or equivalent discipline to commence a career in buying with a leading construction business based in Belfast. Gilbert-Ash is an employee-owned company and holds accreditations including Investors in People and Diversity Mark. The company was also recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 list.
In this role, you will receive training and mentorship, along with the opportunity to develop and progress your career. The Buying department is responsible for procuring materials, equipment, and services for construction projects, ensuring quality, cost-efficiency, and timely delivery. The department also supports the company’s sustainability and environmental objectives by sourcing responsibly, minimising environmental impact, and promoting a sustainable supply chain.
- Supporting buyers in sourcing and procuring construction materials, equipment, and services in accordance with project specifications, budget constraints, and programme requirements.
- Providing operational and administrative support to the Buying team by comparing, analysing, and negotiating to secure the most favourable terms, in line with the company’s procurement guidelines and sustainable procurement policy.
- Ensuring quality materials are procured and delivered for all contracts in accordance with the Contract Programme and Procurement Schedule.
- Collaborating closely with the commercial and project teams to ensure procurement aligns with project budgets.
- Assessing current and future material procurement requirements, identifying any special or critical material and communicating any supply issues.
- Monitoring market trends and identifying cost-saving and sustainable value engineering opportunities.
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers and other relevant stakeholders.
- Identifying and onboarding new suppliers to strengthen supply chain resilience and sustainability, whilst ensuring successful completion of the Company’s supplier approval process.
- Monitoring and maintaining accurate records of supplier performance, including quality, reliability, and service levels, to inform future procurement decisions.
- Maintaining comprehensive and accurate records of procurement activities related to contracts on Gateway to ensure full traceability.
- Ensuring the smooth running of the Department and maintaining control procedures in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 as well as ISO 45001.
- Collating relevant documentation in relation to BREEAM including EPD’s and responsible sourcing certs.
- Being aware of and complying with the Company’s Health & Safety Policy.
- Being aware of and complying with the Company’s HR Policy and Procedures.
- Fulfilling Company CPD requirements, undertaking all relevant training and development activities as required.
- Adhering to the Company’s Environmental, Social and Governance policy.
The above list is not exhaustive, and the post holder may be required to take on other duties and responsibilities for the effective and efficient performance of this role.
Person specification
Required Experience:
- Previous administrative or procurement support experience.
- Working to tight deadlines.
- Preparing, producing and presenting reports.
- Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a Buying / Estimating role.
- Communicating and negotiating with suppliers.
- Understanding of procurement processes, contracts, and supplier management.
- Sound understanding of the construction process.
- Relevant technical knowledge.
- Previous work experience within the building/construction industry.
- Knowledge of sustainable procurement practices.
- Experience working in a fast-paced commercial environment.
Required Education:
- A minimum of a 2:1 or above in Business, Economics, Mathematics, or related analytical discipline.
- GCSE Maths and English.
- CIPS Membership.
- CIOB Accreditation.
- Recognised First Aid at Work Qualification.
Required Skills / Abilities:
- Strong analytical skills with proficiency in Excel and data interpretation.
- Ability to create and maintain good working relationships.
- Excellent written and oral skills.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office Packages.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently.
- Knowledge of Gateway software package.
Other:
- Eligibility to work within the UK and ROI.
Graduate / Assistant Buyer in Belfast employer: Gilbert-Ash Limited
Gilbert-Ash is an exceptional employer located in Belfast, offering graduates a unique opportunity to kickstart their careers in buying within a leading construction business. As an employee-owned company recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 list, we prioritise employee development through comprehensive training and mentorship, fostering a collaborative work culture that values sustainability and innovation. With a commitment to diversity and continuous professional growth, our team members enjoy a supportive environment that encourages meaningful contributions to both personal and organisational success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate / Assistant Buyer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and procurement sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet potential employers and learn about job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gilbert-Ash and their sustainability initiatives. Show them you’re not just interested in the role, but also in their values and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since the role involves working with suppliers, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate favourable terms will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate / Assistant Buyer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate / Assistant Buyer role. Highlight any relevant experience in procurement or administration, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about buying in the construction industry and how your background aligns with our values at Gilbert-Ash. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that show how you’ve successfully communicated with suppliers or managed tight deadlines. We love seeing real-world applications!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gilbert-Ash Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes and the construction industry. Familiarise yourself with sustainable procurement practices, as this role heavily emphasises sourcing responsibly. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since strong analytical skills are a must for this role, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in Excel and data interpretation during the interview. Bring examples of how you've used these skills in previous roles or projects, especially if they relate to buying or procurement.
✨Build Rapport
This job involves collaborating closely with various teams and suppliers, so it's essential to show that you can build strong working relationships. During the interview, be personable and engage with your interviewers. Share experiences where you've successfully worked in a team or negotiated with suppliers.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the company's sustainability goals, the training and mentorship opportunities available, or how the Buying department collaborates with other teams. It shows your interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
