Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support purchasing activities and build relationships with suppliers for exciting projects.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in the engineering and construction industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make an impact by ensuring timely delivery of materials for prestigious projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in purchasing or buying, strong attention to detail, and negotiation skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop your skills in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
To support team development, internal growth and refinement of purchasing activities, a new vacancy has been created. Reporting to the Purchasing Manager, you will work closely with our suppliers of materials such as industrial roof and wall cladding, understand technical specifications and expediting orders to support the overall success of our prestigious projects in the UK and abroad.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Proactively establishing purchasing needs for each project
- Confirming specification requirements with relevant staff to ensure conformity
- Identifying suitable suppliers for various products and obtaining quotations
- Establishing when and where materials are required for delivery to meet programmes and/or deadlines
- Working with the Purchasing Manager to obtain quotations, negotiate best price and payment terms, and select best supplier
- Carrying out supplier assessments for new suppliers, including credit check; QA accreditations; CE marking compliance; H&S policy; environmental; ethical trading.
- Raising and placing of purchase orders with approved suppliers
- Expediting purchase orders to achieve complete and on-time delivery
- Periodically reviewing supplier performance and review of supplier status
- Building and maintaining good supplier relationships to ensure best value, quality and priority service
- Working to cost budgets and providing cost variance reports and other KPI data, when required
- Assisting in resolving any discrepancies with supplier invoices / credits
Key Skills
- Prior background working as a Buyer or Purchasing Assistant in the engineering, construction or manufacturing industry
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills to be able to understand and meet project requirements
- Strong negotiation skills with suppliers
The above list is not exhaustive, but it covers the main duties of the position. There may be other duties, not mentioned here, which become part of the job.
Purchasing Assistant / Assistant Buyer / Buyer in Christchurch employer: John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Limited - REIDsteel
Contact Detail:
John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Limited - REIDsteel Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant / Assistant Buyer / Buyer in Christchurch
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their purchasing processes and be ready to discuss how your skills can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves working with suppliers, being able to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively during interviews can really set you apart from the competition.
✨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 love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant / Assistant Buyer / Buyer in Christchurch
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Purchasing Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in purchasing or supplier management, and don’t forget to showcase your attention to detail and communication skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the role. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to the job description and show us your enthusiasm for the position.
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key in this role, give examples of how you've successfully negotiated with suppliers in the past. This will help us see your potential impact on our purchasing activities!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Reid & Sons (Strucsteel) Limited - REIDsteel
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key materials and specifications relevant to the role. Brush up on your knowledge of industrial roof and wall cladding, as well as any technical jargon that might come up. This will show that you're serious about the position and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you've successfully negotiated with suppliers or resolved discrepancies. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your strong negotiation skills, which are crucial for the role.
✨Build a Supplier Relationship Mindset
Think about how you can build and maintain good relationships with suppliers. During the interview, share your strategies for fostering these connections and how they can lead to better value and service. This shows that you understand the importance of collaboration in purchasing.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Since attention to detail is key in this role, prepare to discuss how you've managed details in previous jobs. Bring up specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference, whether it was in placing orders or reviewing supplier performance. This will highlight your suitability for the position.