Head of Group Purchasing Salary: Competitive, depending on experienceJob Type: Permanent The Role We are looking for an experienced Head of Group Purchasing to lead and manage procurement activity across the wider business. The successful candidate will oversee purchasing processes, supplier relationships, commercial negotiations and the timely procurement of materials and services. You will work closely with senior management, pre-construction and site teams to ensure projects receive the required materials and services at the right cost, quality and time. Key Responsibilities * Lead and manage group purchasing and procurement activities across multiple departments. * Purchase materials, goods and services while balancing cost, quality and delivery requirements. * Manage, support and develop the Buyer, including delegation of tasks, guidance and training. * Report to senior management on purchasing activity, supplier performance and market changes. * Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors. * Work closely with pre-construction teams on tender enquiries, procurement strategies and value engineering. * Prepare and issue enquiry packages for construction and civil engineering materials. * Review and evaluate supplier quotations and negotiate competitive commercial terms. * Assess and monitor supplier performance, ensuring contractual and commercial requirements are met. * Place orders and coordinate with site teams to programme deliveries and expedite materials where required. * Maintain accurate purchasing records, order logs and cost comparison spreadsheets. * Check and approve invoices, resolving pricing and delivery queries where necessary. Skills & Experience Essential * Previous experience in a senior purchasing or procurement role. * Strong commercial awareness with a focus on cost, quality and delivery. * Excellent supplier negotiation and relationship management skills. * Good analytical and numerical ability. * Strong attention to detail and accuracy. * Confident using Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office. * Strong written and verbal communication skills. * Ability to extract accurate information from site and operational teams. * Ability to manage multiple enquiries, orders and deadlines simultaneously. * A proactive and commercially minded approach to procurement. * Ability to work independently and use initiative. * Strong organisational and time-management skills. Package * Competitive salary * Company benefits package * Opportunity to lead and develop a group-wide purchasing function * Long-term career progression
Head of Group Buying - Construction in Gateshead employer: Henley Chase
As a leading employer in the construction industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our Construction Managers to excel. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer extensive training programs and career advancement opportunities, ensuring that our team members grow alongside the company. Located in a vibrant area with access to diverse projects, our employees enjoy a dynamic work environment that values safety, quality, and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Group Buying - Construction in Gateshead
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Henley Chase, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Head of Group Buying - Construction at Henley Chase.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henley Chase
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
