At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and order materials for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join a growing Roofing & Cladding Contractor in Durham with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Earn £25,000 – £30,000, enjoy 25 days holiday, and an early finish every Friday!
- Why this job: Kick-start your career in procurement with hands-on experience and real progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: A positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a desire to learn are key.
- Other info: No previous experience needed; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to grow!
Kick-start your career in procurement. Ensure all your application information is up to date and in order before applying for this opportunity.
Looking for a foot in the door with the construction industry? Ambitious, organised, and ready to learn? This is your chance to build a long-term career in procurement with a growing, well-respected contractor — no previous buying experience required.
Lemon Drizzle Recruitment is proud to be partnering with a successful and expanding Roofing & Cladding Contractor based in Durham. The business delivers high-quality building envelope solutions across commercial, industrial, and high-rise projects throughout the North East — and now they’re looking to invest in their next Trainee Buyer.
Why this role?
This is a hands-on, fast-paced role where you’ll be right at the heart of site operations, ensuring projects are fully resourced and running smoothly. You’ll join a small, supportive procurement team and receive full training to develop into a Buyer, with real progression opportunities. You won’t be stuck behind a desk either — you’ll get the chance to visit live sites, see projects taking shape, and truly understand the materials and processes you’re procuring for.
What you’ll be doing:
- Supporting the procurement team with day-to-day buying activities
- Ordering materials for building envelope projects (up to 12m)
- Taking material requests from site teams and placing purchase orders
- Sourcing suppliers, requesting quotes, and tracking deliveries
- Maintaining accurate procurement records and supplier information
- Resolving invoice queries and supporting invoice matching
- Liaising with internal departments to support purchasing enquiries
- Managing plant and equipment registers and arranging orders when needed
- Handling calls, emails, and general procurement administration
What we’re looking for:
- A positive, can-do attitude and genuine desire to learn
- Strong communication skills (phone, email, face-to-face)
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy environment
- Comfortable working under pressure and reacting to changing priorities
- A team player who enjoys supporting others
- Confident using Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
- Procurement or construction experience is desirable but not essential
- Full UK driving licence (or working towards) — site visits are part of the role
What’s in it for you?
- Competitive salary £25,000 – £30,000
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays
- Company pension
- Free on-site parking
- Early finish every Friday (2pm!)
- Structured training and clear career progression into a Buyer role
- Exposure to real projects and site environments from day one
Hiring Process:
- Initial informal chat with Rachel Scott at Lemon Drizzle Recruitment
- CV submission to the client
- In-person interview with the Hiring Manager
If you’re looking for a role where you can learn, grow, and build a genuine career in construction procurement, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
Trainee Buyer in Durham employer: Lemon Drizzle Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Lemon Drizzle Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Buyer in Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since strong communication is key for this role, try role-playing common interview questions with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your organisational skills! Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed multiple tasks or deadlines. This will demonstrate that you can handle the fast-paced environment of procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Buyer in Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep It Up-to-Date: Before you hit that apply button, make sure all your application info is current and accurate. We want to see your latest experiences and skills shining through!
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send the same CV everywhere! Tailor it to highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match what we’re looking for in a Trainee Buyer. Show us why you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Catchy Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the construction industry. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity and how you can contribute.
Apply Through Our Website: We recommend applying directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s quick, easy, and ensures your application lands right where it needs to be!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lemon Drizzle Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of procurement and the construction industry. Brush up on key terms and processes related to buying materials for projects. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful conversations during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Highlight your organisational and communication skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed multiple tasks or worked as part of a team. Be ready to discuss how these skills can benefit the procurement team and contribute to smooth site operations.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the hiring manager. Inquire about the training process, what a typical day looks like for a Trainee Buyer, or how the procurement team collaborates with other departments. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through! The company is looking for someone with a positive attitude and a desire to learn. Don’t be afraid to express your enthusiasm for the role and the construction industry. Authenticity can set you apart from other candidates.