Our client is a well-established residential groundworks and civil engineering contractor delivering infrastructure, roads, drainage, foundations, and associated works for leading national and regional housebuilders. Due to continued growth and an expanding project portfolio, they are looking to appoint an experienced Senior Buyer to strengthen their commercial and procurement team based in Bedford. The Role As Senior Buyer, you will be responsible for leading procurement activities across multiple residential groundworks projects, ensuring materials, plant, and subcontract services are sourced competitively and delivered in line with project requirements. Working closely with Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Contracts Managers, and Site Teams, you will play a key role in managing supplier relationships, controlling costs, and supporting successful project delivery. Key Responsibilities Procuring construction materials, plant, and subcontract services for multiple projects. Obtaining competitive quotations and negotiating the best commercial terms. Managing supplier and subcontractor relationships. Preparing and issuing purchase orders. Monitoring market trends and identifying cost-saving opportunities. Working closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure procurement programmes are achieved. Managing supplier performance, quality, and delivery standards. Supporting tender and pre-construction activities with procurement input. Maintaining accurate procurement records and reporting. Ensuring compliance with company procurement procedures and commercial objectives.Requirements We are keen to speak with candidates who possess: Previous experience as a Buyer or Senior Buyer within the construction or civil engineering sector. Experience procuring materials and services for residential groundworks, infrastructure, roads, drainage, or wider civil engineering projects. Strong negotiation and supplier management skills. Good commercial awareness and cost management capability. Ability to manage multiple projects and procurement packages simultaneously. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Strong organisational and IT skills.Desirable Experience working for a residential groundworks contractor. Knowledge of housebuilding infrastructure and groundwork packages. Existing supplier network within the construction or civil engineering sector.What's on Offer? Competitive salary and benefits package. Long-term career progression opportunities. Secure pipeline of residential infrastructure and groundworks projects. Supportive and collaborative working environment. Opportunity to play a key role within a growing and successful business. About Us 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
Senior Buyer in Kempston employer: Nicholas Associates
As a CNC Miller at our modern precision engineering facility near Long Eaton, you will thrive in a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. We offer competitive pay rates, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member feels valued and supported. Join us for a rewarding career where your skills can flourish and contribute to our innovative projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Kempston
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Nicholas Associates, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Buyer at Nicholas Associates.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholas Associates
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
