At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and procure materials for exciting construction projects across the Midlands.
- Company: Leading civil engineering company with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and knowledge of construction materials.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and development in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Buyer to join our procurement team within a leading civil engineering company based in Birmingham. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in sourcing and purchasing materials, equipment, and services required for construction and infrastructure projects across the Midlands and beyond. You will work closely with project managers, site teams, and suppliers to ensure timely delivery, cost efficiency, and compliance with quality standards.
Responsibilities
- Source, negotiate, and procure materials, plant, and subcontractor services in line with project specifications and company procedures.
- Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability, cost-effectiveness, and quality.
- Prepare and issue purchase orders and subcontract agreements.
- Monitor supplier performance and address any issues related to delivery, quality, or pricing.
- Work closely with estimators and project teams to understand project requirements and timelines.
- Support cost control efforts by securing competitive quotes and identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and ensure compliance with company policies and relevant legislation.
- Liaise with site teams to ensure timely delivery of materials to meet project milestones.
- Conduct regular market research to stay informed of industry trends, new products, and supplier innovations.
- Assist in the evaluation and pre-qualification of new suppliers.
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Buyer or Procurement Officer, ideally within the civil engineering sector, particularly with aggregates/earthworks.
- Strong knowledge of construction materials, plant, and subcontract services.
- Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
- Understanding of material waste classifications would be advantageous.
We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options. We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.
Buyer employer: Nicholas Associates Group Limited
Contact Detail:
Nicholas Associates Group Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the civil engineering sector, attend industry events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their procurement processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re the perfect fit for the Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your experience in procurement, especially within civil engineering, and showcase your negotiation skills. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the Buyer position and how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the job description.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your organisational and record-keeping skills. Mention any experience you have with supplier relationships and cost control efforts. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to manage multiple priorities!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Associates Group Limited
✨Know Your Materials
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of construction materials, plant, and subcontract services. Being able to discuss specific products and their applications will show that you're not just a buyer, but someone who understands the industry inside out.
✨Master Negotiation Techniques
Since negotiation is key in this role, practice your negotiation skills before the interview. Think of scenarios where you had to negotiate terms or prices and be ready to share those experiences. This will demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals for the company.
✨Build Supplier Relationships
Be prepared to talk about how you’ve developed strong relationships with suppliers in the past. Highlight any strategies you've used to ensure reliability and cost-effectiveness, as this is crucial for the role. It shows you can maintain a network that benefits the company.
✨Stay Updated on Industry Trends
Conduct some market research before your interview. Familiarise yourself with current trends, new products, and innovations in the civil engineering sector. This will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re proactive and committed to staying informed.