At a Glance
- Tasks: Support major construction projects by managing procurement and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Kilnbridge, the UK's leading structures specialist with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Employee-owned culture, opportunities for growth, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Diverse workplace committed to inclusion and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic projects while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement is a plus, but strong organisational and communication skills are key.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Kilnbridge is the UK’s leading structures specialist, delivering some of the country’s most complex and iconic engineering, construction and infrastructure projects. Our expertise spans the full lifecycle of a structure - design, build, adapt, repair and protect - delivered by four specialist operational businesses that combine seamlessly as One Kilnbridge to meet any project’s needs. We are purpose led, focused on building a sustainable and resilient future for the UK, with a reputation for technical excellence, safety and quality built over 35 years. As an employee-owned business, our people are at the heart of everything we do - empowered to contribute, innovate and help shape our continued success.
We're looking for a proactive and organised Buyer to join our Procurement team at our Canning Town Head Office. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting the successful delivery of major construction, engineering and infrastructure projects across the UK. You'll be responsible for ensuring that project teams have the materials, goods and services they need, when they need them, helping keep projects moving safely, efficiently and on budget. Working closely with project, bid and operational teams, you'll develop strong supplier relationships, manage procurement activities from requisition through to delivery, and contribute to continuous improvements across our supply chain.
What you’ll do:
- Raise and manage purchase requisitions and purchase orders to support project and business requirements
- Source goods, services and materials in line with project specifications and delivery schedules
- Monitor order acknowledgements and open order lines, ensuring stakeholders are kept informed of progress
- Work closely with project and bid teams to ensure procurement activities support successful project delivery
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Identify alternative supply chain solutions where required to minimise project risks and delays
- Support the ongoing development and management of the supply chain
- Monitor market and procurement trends, identifying opportunities for cost savings and added value
- Promote procurement best practices across the business
- Provide support and cover within the Procurement team as required during periods of absence
What you’ll need:
- Previous experience in a Buyer, Procurement or Purchasing role is desirable, though not essential
- Experience within the construction industry would be advantageous but is not a requirement
- Knowledge of procurement processes and best practice
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to effectively prioritise workloads
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Good attention to detail and a commitment to delivering high-quality work
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook
- Ability to work independently while also contributing positively as part of a team
- A proactive, self-motivated and solution-focused approach
- Resilience and professionalism when working under pressure
- CIPS qualification or working towards one would be advantageous
- Alignment with Kilnbridge values: Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence
Why Kilnbridge?
With major projects delivered across the UK - from national infrastructure to clean energy, buildings and complex structural works - Kilnbridge offers the opportunity to work on schemes that leave a lasting legacy on the built environment. With a UK network of offices from London to Runcorn to Lisburn, we are a trusted partner in some of the most highly regulated, constrained and demanding environments. We are proud to be an employee-owned organisation where every colleague has a real stake in our success and a voice in how we grow. Our culture is shaped by four core values - Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence - which guide how we work and support one another every day.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Kilnbridge is an equal opportunities employer and a proud member of the Disability Confident Scheme. We are committed to creating a diverse workplace where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. We welcome discussions about flexible working and encourage applicants who may require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy or marital status.
Buyer employer: Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited
Kilnbridge is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Pre-Construction team. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior estimators while leading significant RC frame and civil projects across the UK, ensuring your contributions are both meaningful and impactful. The company values its employees by providing competitive benefits and a supportive environment that encourages professional development.
Contact Details:
Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨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 Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited.
✨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
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 Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited. 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 Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited
✨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 Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited!
✨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 Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited. 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 Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited's culture.
