Assistant Buyer

Job Description

The Assistant Buyer will support the Buying Team in the procurement of materials, furniture, fixtures and specialist products for construction and fit-out projects. The role is responsible for raising purchase orders, obtaining quotations, coordinating deliveries, maintaining supplier relationships and ensuring accurate procurement records, helping projects to be delivered on time and within budget.

Procurement & Purchasing

• Process and update material requisitions
• Raise and process purchase orders in accordance with company procedures.
• Obtain and compare quotations from suppliers.
• Source materials, fixtures, furniture, specialist products, and construction supplies.
• Assist with supplier negotiations to achieve best value, quality, and delivery performance.
• Ensure purchases meet project specifications and budget requirements.
• Support the department with procurement packages and tender enquiries.
• Review supplier invoices against purchase orders and delivery records.
• Investigate and resolve invoice queries, pricing discrepancies, and goods received issues.
• Liaise with suppliers, site teams, and finance department to ensure timely invoice approval and payment.

Supplier Management

• Build and maintain positive relationships with suppliers.
• Identify potential new suppliers and products.
• Assistant in the monitoring of supplier performance regarding cost, quality, and delivery.
• Resolve supply chain issues and shortages in a timely manner.
• Assist with supplier evaluations and accreditation processes.

Project Support

• Liaise with project managers, contracts managers, site managers, and quantity surveyors to understand project requirements.
• Track material deliveries and ensure they are aligned with project programmes.
• Expedite orders to prevent delays to site operations.
• Support project teams in resolving procurement-related issues.

Administration & Reporting

• Maintain accurate procurement records and supplier databases.
• Update procurement trackers and delivery schedules.
• Assist in preparing cost reports and purchasing analyses.
• Ensure all purchasing documentation is correctly filed and auditable.
• Support continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Office.
• Commercial awareness and interest in procurement and construction.

Desirable

• Experience in a purchasing, administrative, or construction-related role.
• Knowledge of fit-out, construction materials, furniture, or specialist subcontract packages.
• Experience using procurement or ERP systems (e.g. Procore, Redsky, SW2, Microsoft Dynamics,).
• Working towards or interested in CIPS qualification.

What we will deliver…

• Benefits – Competitive salary; Performance-related bonus; Aviva Private Medical Insurance; Critical Illness Insurance; Death in Service Insurance
• There are further benefits which can be added to your package, via our in-house software package.
• Company charity events, team outings, internal communication channels
• CPD – A person centric development plan with your line manager with regular reviews.
• Training – We have our own in-house training co-ordinator and training software to help you keep on top of your own personal development.
• Portview have our own in-house Occupation Health and Wellbeing specialist.