At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in exciting projects.
- Company: Join a global leader in the Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology construction sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and international project exposure.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years in procurement and a relevant degree required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Join a global construction business operating at the forefront of the Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology sectors. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Buyer / Graduate Buyer to join the growing EMEA Procurement Team, working closely with the Head of Procurement / UK & EMEA Procurement Lead. Ideally based within a commutable distance of the Birmingham head office, this is an excellent opportunity for an early-career procurement professional to build their experience with a highly respected international business operating in a fast-growing and technically demanding sector.
The Opportunity
You'll be involved across the full 360° procurement lifecycle, supporting major pharmaceutical and biotechnology projects and working across a diverse range of packages, including:
- Capital equipment – process, mechanical, electrical, automation, instrumentation etc.
- Construction trade packages
- Professional services
- Supplier and subcontractor procurement
- Commercial evaluation and negotiations
You'll work as part of a collaborative, experienced procurement team, gaining exposure to complex projects and developing the skills needed to progress your procurement career.
Key Responsibilities
- Support procurement activities from project initiation through to contract award and delivery
- Act as a company representative and key interface with client procurement teams on assigned projects
- Support the development and implementation of Project Procurement Execution Plans
- Research, identify and qualify new contractors and suppliers
- Evaluate and monitor existing suppliers
- Manage and develop supplier relationships
- Review and commercially evaluate supplier and subcontractor proposals
- Support tendering, negotiation and contract award processes
- Maintain procurement records and ensure project requirements are met
- Work closely with project, commercial and engineering teams to ensure procurement strategies align with project objectives
About You
We're keen to hear from candidates with:
- 1–3 years' experience in a project procurement / buying role within construction
- An Honours Degree in a relevant subject
- Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, organised and collaborative approach
- The ambition to build a long-term career within procurement
MCIPS qualified or currently working towards MCIPS would be highly desirable.
What's on Offer?
- £35,000–£45,000 basic salary + package, depending on experience
- Opportunity to join a global construction business
- Exposure to major Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology projects
- Excellent opportunity for career progression
- Work alongside an experienced EMEA procurement team
- International project exposure
- Full 360° procurement lifecycle experience
This is a particularly strong opportunity for an Assistant Buyer or Graduate Buyer looking to take the next step in their career and gain genuine exposure to complex, high-value projects within one of construction's most buoyant sectors.
Interested? Please send an up-to-date CV to apply or get in touch for a confidential discussion.
Assistant Buyer in Chelmsley Wood employer: Kenton Black
Join a leading subcontractor in the UK, where you will be part of a dynamic team working on a landmark £200m highways infrastructure project. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values innovation and professional growth, offering our engineers the chance to develop their skills while contributing to significant civil engineering achievements. With a strong pipeline of work and long-term contract potential, this role provides not just a job, but a meaningful career path in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in Chelmsley Wood
✨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 Kenton Black.
✨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 Assistant Buyer in Chelmsley Wood
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 Kenton Black:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Kenton Black. 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 Kenton Black.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kenton Black
✨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 Kenton Black!
✨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 Kenton Black. 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 Kenton Black's culture.
