At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement for major construction projects and ensure timely delivery of materials.
- Company: Leading UK construction and infrastructure specialist with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a fast-paced industry.
- Why this job: Join a hands-on role that impacts major projects and builds valuable supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or strong transferable skills; construction knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Referment is working with a leading UK construction and infrastructure specialist to hire a Buyer to join their Procurement team in East London. This is a hands-on procurement role supporting the delivery of major construction, engineering and infrastructure projects across the UK. You’ll work closely with project, bid and operational teams to ensure they have the materials, goods and services they need, when they need them, while helping to manage costs, supplier relationships and project delivery.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Raising and managing purchase requisitions and purchase orders
- Sourcing goods, services and materials against project requirements
- Managing orders from requisition through to delivery
- Working closely with project and bid teams to support project delivery
- Building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Identifying alternative suppliers and solutions to minimise delays and project risk
- Supporting the development of the wider supply chain
- Monitoring procurement and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities
- Promoting procurement best practice across the business
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience within buying, procurement or purchasing would be beneficial, although we’re also interested in people with strong transferable skills who want to develop their career in procurement.
- Experience within construction, engineering or infrastructure would be an advantage, but it isn’t essential.
- You’ll need to be highly organised, commercially aware and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-moving environment.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills are important, as is the ability to work effectively with both suppliers and internal project teams.
- A CIPS qualification or progress towards one would be advantageous but is not essential.
- This could be a great opportunity for an experienced Buyer looking to move into major projects, or someone earlier in their procurement career looking for a role with genuine scope to develop.
Buyer - Construction (AB01887) employer: Referment
Referment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. As a Finance Director, you will not only lead the finance function but also play a pivotal role in shaping the company's growth trajectory, with ample opportunities for professional development and advancement. Located in a vibrant B2B technology hub, the company provides a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Construction (AB01887)
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Referment.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Construction (AB01887)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Referment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Referment. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Referment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Referment
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Referment!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Referment. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Referment's culture.
