Buyer

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Source and procure materials for construction projects while ensuring quality and sustainability.
  • Company: Join a leading construction firm committed to innovation and sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace that values equality and offers excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in construction while promoting sustainable practices.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years in buying/estimating, with a solid understanding of construction processes.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

Head Office, 60 Boucher Place, Belfast, BT12 6HT.

Summary of role

Responsible for procuring materials, equipment, and services for construction projects, ensuring quality, cost‑efficiency and timely delivery.

This role also supports the company’s sustainability and environmental objectives by sourcing responsibly, minimising environmental impact, and promoting a sustainable supply chain.

  • Sourcing and procuring construction materials, equipment, and services in accordance with project specifications, budget constraints, and programme requirements.
  • 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 the role of mentor as and when required.
  • 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

  • Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a Buying / Estimating role.
  • Sound understanding of the construction process.
  • Working to tight deadlines.
  • Preparing, producing and presenting reports.
  • Relevant technical knowledge.
  • Contract law knowledge.
  • Ability to read architectural drawings.
  • Understanding of building law and regulations.
  • Previous work experience within the building/construction industry.

Required Education

  • Minimum of third level qualification.
  • GCSE Maths and English.
  • CIPS Membership.
  • CIOB Accreditation.
  • Recognised First Aid at Work Qualification.

Required Skills / Abilities

  • 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.
  • Flexibility to work away from home for periods of time

Privacy

We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information as per the terms of our Privacy Policy, available on request from Gilbert‑Ash Ltd.

Gilbert‑Ash Ltd. is an equal opportunities employer and therefore is committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity and does not discriminate, whether on grounds of race, gender, sexual orientation, gender re‑assignment, disability, age, class, religion or belief, community background or passport held.

These principles underpin our professional behaviour and are embedded in our policies, procedures, day‑to‑day practices, and external relationships.

We therefore welcome and encourage job applications from a fully diverse range of candidates.

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Buyer employer: Gilbert-Ash Limited

Gilbert-Ash Ltd. is an exceptional employer located in Belfast, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises sustainability and employee development. With a strong commitment to diversity and equality, the company fosters a collaborative culture where team members can thrive through continuous professional growth and training opportunities. Employees benefit from a supportive atmosphere that values quality and innovation, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the construction industry.

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Contact Details:

Gilbert-Ash Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Buyer

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 Gilbert-Ash Limited.

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 Buyer

Procurement Skills
Negotiation Skills
Sustainability Awareness
Cost-Efficiency Analysis
Supplier Relationship Management
Market Trend Analysis
Contract Law Knowledge

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 Gilbert-Ash Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gilbert-Ash Limited. 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 Gilbert-Ash Limited.

How to prepare for a job interview at Gilbert-Ash Limited

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 Gilbert-Ash Limited!

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 Gilbert-Ash Limited. 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 Gilbert-Ash Limited's culture.