Procurement Assistant

Location: Trafford Park

Reporting To: Procurement Manager / Head of Procurement

Company Type: Principal Contractor with internal Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) capability

About Us

We are a leading, rapidly growing Principal Contractor operating across the North of England. Delivering high-quality projects across all major sectors, we pride ourselves on our unique capability to self-deliver integrated Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) solutions alongside traditional main contracting. Our business is built on a foundation of strong values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Delivery Excellence.

The Role

As a Procurement Assistant, you will support the procurement manager who will help you to learn and work towards playing an important role in commercial delivery, ensuring that sub-contractor packages and material supply chains are procured efficiently, ethically, and aligned with project budgets. Given our unique internal M&E capability, you will gain exposure to a fascinating mix of complex technical M&E packages as well as standard building fabric and civil engineering procurement. This role offers a direct pathway to full management, with mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.

Key Responsibilities & Development Pathway

• Sub-Contractor & Supplier Procurement: Assist in compiling tender enquiry packages, analysing returns, conducting commercial interviews, and placing robust orders across both general construction and specialist M&E packages.
• Supply Chain Management: Maintain, evaluate, and expand our regional supply chain database, ensuring all partners meet our stringent health, safety, quality, and sustainability standards.
• Value Engineering: Work closely with the Pre-Construction, Estimating, and Site Delivery teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and innovative alternatives without compromising quality or safety.
• Value-Driven Negotiation: Negotiate commercially sound terms with supply chain partners that reflect our commitment to fair, collaborative, and long-term relationships.
• Market Analysis: Monitor market trends, material shortages, and price fluctuations across the North of England to proactively mitigate commercial risks.
• Sustainability & Social Value: Support the implementation of sustainable procurement initiatives, sourcing locally where possible to drive social value within the communities we build in.

About You (Requirements)

We are looking for someone who is keen to learn, interested, commercially sharp, technically curious, and fundamentally aligned with our collaborative way of working.

Experience & Qualifications (albeit not essential)

• Industry Experience: Preferred procurement, buying, or commercial experience within a main contracting, civil engineering, or major M&E sub-contracting environment.
• M&E Exposure: While you don't need to be an expert, an understanding of, or a strong desire to learn, Mechanical & Electrical procurement packages is highly advantageous.
• Regional Knowledge: Familiarity with the supply chain and sub-contractor market across the North of England (North West, Yorkshire, North East).
• Education: Degree-qualified in a relevant field (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Supply Chain) or actively working towards RICS accreditation (support will be provided).

Key Skills & Attributes (albeit not essential)

• Strong negotiation and communication skills; you build bridges, not walls.
• Excellent analytical skills with a sharp eye for detail in tender comparisons and contract terms.
• Proficiency in modern procurement/ERP software and Excel.
• A full UK driving license (regular travel to regional offices and sites will be required).

What We Offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Full funding and professional mentorship for professional qualifications (CIPS / RICS).
• A clear, documented career progression pathway within a rapidly expanding business.
• A supportive, inclusive culture where your voice is heard and your values matter.