At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for IT, construction, and engineering services while liaising with vendors.
- Company: Trusted partner of the UK Ministry of Defence with a rich history in defence engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, onsite gym, and great transport links.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the construction sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Our client, a trusted partner of the UK Ministry of Defence, is seeking an experienced procurement support professional to manage spending across multiple areas, including IT, construction, facilities management, HR, consultancy, and engineering services at the Stevenage site. As a Procurement Support professional, you will manage orders and liaise with internal customers and vendors. You can also assist in tenders and negotiations with suppliers. This is an excellent opportunity to grow your skills!
Key Responsibilities:
- Supported delivery of the UK Construction resourcing strategy by coordinating end‑to‑end activity across sourcing, supplier engagement, and stakeholder alignment.
- Managed and supported competitive selection processes using structured systems and governance frameworks to ensure fairness, compliance, and quality outcomes.
- Planned and coordinated resourcing timelines, scheduling review meetings and aligning key milestones with hiring managers and cross‑functional stakeholders.
- Led supplier and talent sourcing activity for specialist construction roles, ensuring access to high‑quality, compliant supply pipelines.
- Identified and tracked cost‑efficiency opportunities, capturing savings and supporting budget optimisation across recruitment activity.
- Supported high‑volume periods by ensuring timely creation and approval of purchase orders and contractual documentation.
- Prepared recruitment documentation and data to support governance and approval reviews, ensuring readiness for senior stakeholder sign‑off.
- Acted as a key point of contact for invoice queries and supplier queries, ensuring accurate and timely resolution.
- Led low‑value / low‑complexity negotiations with suppliers, including rates, terms, delivery expectations, and service levels.
- Actively contributed to recruitment process improvement initiatives, identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, compliance, and candidate experience.
What do you need?
- Demonstrable practical experience supported by relevant vocational and/or academic qualifications.
- Strong team orientation with effective interpersonal and stakeholder communication skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to deliver clear and confident presentations.
- Proven negotiation capability with a commercially focused approach.
- Proactive, self‑motivated individual able to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Well‑developed organisational, planning, and administrative skills with a pragmatic, solutions‑focused mindset.
- Proven procurement experience within the Construction and/or Facilities Management sector, with sound knowledge of contract terms and conditions; understanding of cost structures and pricing is desirable.
What happens now?
Upon submission of your application, should it meet our selection criteria, you will be contacted via e-mail by one of our talent acquisition specialists to arrange a screening call. This telephone chat is structured to explore a series of questions aimed at matching your competencies and capabilities to the specific demands of the position. Please note, this screening is contingent upon the initial success of your application.
Security Clearance: British Citizen or a Dual UK national with British citizenship. Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by our clients Security Team.
More about the role: Our client’s relationship with the UK military spans back over 70 years. They have delivered countless landmarks in defence engineering, supplying vital defence capability to meet the needs of the armed forces over land, sea, and air. This role is based at their headquarters in Stevenage which plays a key part in missiles operations. The site also offers excellent transportation links and boasts an onsite gym and coffee shop. Training and development are offered to all employees.
Construction Buyer employer: Guidant Global
Contact Detail:
Guidant Global 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 people in the construction and procurement sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, attend industry events, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially if they’re linked to the Ministry of Defence. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, particularly in managing orders and supplier negotiations.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your negotiation skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve successfully negotiated terms or managed supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling procurement challenges.
✨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, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and help us grow!
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 procurement experience and any relevant qualifications that match the job description. We want to see how your skills align with 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences in procurement and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. We love a well-structured application that showcases your ability to communicate effectively, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in construction and facilities management. Understand the key terms, processes, and compliance frameworks that are relevant to the role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're the right fit for the job.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations you've led, particularly in low-value or low-complexity scenarios. Be ready to discuss how you approached these situations, what strategies you used, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your proven negotiation capability and commercial focus.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Since effective communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or using a mirror. Focus on how you present your ideas, especially when discussing complex topics like cost structures and supplier engagement.
✨Be Organised and Proactive
Show that you can manage competing priorities by preparing a list of your past experiences where you successfully juggled multiple tasks. Highlight your organisational skills and how you’ve contributed to process improvements in previous roles. This will showcase your proactive mindset and ability to work under pressure.