At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in sourcing and purchasing materials for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join a growing residential groundworks contractor with a £50 million turnover.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, ongoing training, and career progression.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly work environment with long-term career prospects.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in construction procurement with hands-on experience and support.
- Qualifications: Previous buying or construction experience preferred but not essential; strong organisational skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
A well-established and growing residential groundworks contractor is looking to recruit a Junior Buyer to join its procurement team based in Nottingham. With an annual turnover of approximately £50 million, our client delivers infrastructure and groundworks packages for some of the UK's leading national and regional housebuilders. Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of secured work, they are looking to invest in an ambitious and organised individual who is keen to develop a long-term career in construction procurement.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous buying, procurement or construction administration experience to join a successful business where full support, training and career progression are available.
The Role
Working alongside the Procurement Manager and Commercial team, the successful candidate will assist with the procurement of materials, plant and subcontract packages across multiple residential groundworks projects. The role will provide exposure to all aspects of the procurement process, making it an ideal opportunity for someone looking to build a successful career within the construction industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with sourcing and purchasing construction materials and plant.
- Obtain quotations from suppliers and compare prices to achieve best value.
- Raise and process purchase orders.
- Build and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Monitor material deliveries and resolve any supply issues.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information.
- Support the Procurement Manager with day-to-day buying activities.
- Liaise with Commercial, Contracts and Site Teams to ensure project requirements are met.
- Monitor stock levels and assist with forecasting material requirements.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company procedures.
Candidate Requirements
- Previous experience in a buying, procurement, purchasing or construction administration role (preferred but not essential).
- An interest in construction, civil engineering or residential groundworks.
- Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail.
- Good communication and relationship-building skills.
- Confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
- A proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
What's on Offer
- Salary of £28,000 – £35,000, depending on experience.
- Company pension scheme.
- Ongoing training and mentoring from experienced procurement professionals.
- Excellent opportunities for career progression into Buyer and Senior Buyer roles.
- Stable employment with a successful and expanding £50m turnover contractor.
- Friendly and supportive working environment.
- Long-term career prospects within a respected civil engineering business.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to establish a career in construction procurement with a reputable and growing residential groundworks contractor. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their CV for confidential consideration.
Junior / Assistant Buyer in Hucknall employer: Kenton Black
Join a well-established and growing residential groundworks contractor in Nottingham, where you will be supported in your career development within a friendly and collaborative work environment. With a strong focus on training and mentorship, this role offers excellent opportunities for progression into Buyer and Senior Buyer positions, making it an ideal choice for ambitious individuals looking to build a meaningful career in construction procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior / Assistant Buyer in Hucknall
✨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 Junior / Assistant Buyer in Hucknall
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.
