At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and manage material orders for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join a respected Roofing & Cladding Contractor in Durham with a supportive team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, early finishes, and structured training.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career in procurement with hands-on experience and real progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a desire to learn.
- Other info: Enjoy site visits and exposure to live projects from day one.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Kick-start Your Career in Procurement
Trainee Buyer – Roofing & Cladding Contractor
Durham | £25,000 – £30,000 | Full Time, Permanent (37 hours)
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 employer: Lemon Drizzle Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Lemon Drizzle Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Buyer
✨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 can-do attitude! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve tackled challenges or learned something new. Employers love to see enthusiasm and a willingness to grow.
✨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 appreciation and keeping you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft Your CV with Care: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trainee Buyer role. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, even if they’re not directly related to procurement. We want to see your potential and enthusiasm!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in this role, don’t forget to showcase your ability to communicate effectively in your application. Whether it’s through your CV or cover letter, let us know how you’ve successfully interacted with others.
Be Yourself in Your Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for learning and your interest in the construction industry. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so let your personality come through.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
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. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes related to buying materials for projects. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful conversations.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
This role is all about learning and growing, so let your passion shine through! Be ready to discuss why you're excited about starting a career in procurement and how you can contribute to the team. A positive attitude can go a long way in making a great impression.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed competing priorities or resolved issues. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask the hiring manager. Inquire about the training process, opportunities for progression, or what a typical day looks like for a Trainee Buyer. This shows your eagerness to learn and helps you gauge if the role is right for you.