At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage purchasing activities and control project budgets in a dynamic construction team.
- Company: Growing construction business based in Southend-on-Sea with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finishes on Fridays, and over four weeks of annual leave.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities and varied projects await you!
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact on exciting construction projects.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement within construction and strong organisational skills.
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex (Office Based) Salary: £35,000 - £55,000 DOE Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00am - 5:30pm | Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Purchasing / Procurement Coordinator to join our growing construction team based in Southend-on-Sea.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong procurement background who can manage purchasing activities, control project budgets, and support both pre-construction and live projects.
Working closely with the commercial and operational teams, you will ensure materials are procured efficiently, costs remain under control, and projects receive the right products at the right time.
Key Responsibilities
- Place purchase orders in line with project programmes and company procurement strategies.
- Assist with achieving supplier rebate targets through strategic purchasing.
- Monitor and control procurement budgets against tender allowances.
- Manage procurement documentation, including material schedules, delivery schedules and live hire reports.
- Support the pre-construction team with supplier enquiries and pricing during tender stages.
- Resolve supplier invoice queries quickly and efficiently.
- Carry out stock checks and maximise the use of existing materials across projects.
- Liaise with suppliers, site teams and internal departments to ensure smooth project delivery.
- Visit sites when required to review material requirements and support procurement activities.
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a purchasing or procurement role within the construction industry.
- Experience procuring construction materials for live projects.
* Knowledge of external building packages such as
- Roofing
- Cladding
- Windows & Doors
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
- Experience carrying out material take-offs.
- Strong commercial awareness and budget management skills.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to visit sites when required.
- CIPS qualification desirable but not essential.
- What's on Offer
- Salary of £35,000 - £55,000, depending on experience.
- Office-based role in Southend-on-Sea.
- Early finish every Friday (1:00pm).
- 20 days annual leave (Fridays count as half days, equating to over four weeks of bookable leave), plus Christmas shutdown and Bank Holidays.
- Long-term career progression within an established and growing construction business.
- Supportive team environment with varied and interesting projects
Buyer - Roofing & Cladding in Southend-on-Sea employer: Henley Chase
Henley Chase is an excellent employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and opportunities for professional growth. With flexible office locations in Eastleigh, Portishead, Exeter, or Yeovil, employees benefit from a competitive salary, pension, and ongoing training to enhance their skills in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Roofing & Cladding in Southend-on-Sea
✨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 Henley Chase.
✨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 - Roofing & Cladding in Southend-on-Sea
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 Henley Chase:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Henley Chase. 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 Henley Chase.
How to prepare for a job interview at Henley Chase
✨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 Henley Chase!
✨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 Henley Chase. 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 Henley Chase's culture.
