At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement of construction materials and plant for live projects.
- Company: Join a respected construction main contractor with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £40,000 - £50,000 plus a strong package.
- Why this job: Gain valuable experience in a supportive team while making impactful contributions.
- Qualifications: Some buying experience in construction and confidence in negotiating prices.
- Other info: Long-term stability and clear opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Join a well-established and growing construction main contractor with a strong pipeline of work. Work within an experienced buying team, alongside two seasoned Buyers who will provide support and guidance. Take ownership of procurement for construction materials and plant across live projects. Benefit from long-term stability, clear processes, and excellent existing supplier relationships. Competitive salary of £40,000 - £50,000 plus a strong package.
About the Role - What You'll Be Doing
We are recruiting an Assistant Buyer for a respected construction main contractor based in their St Albans head office. This is a full-time, office-based role and an excellent opportunity for someone with some buying experience in construction materials and plant who is confident negotiating prices and managing suppliers. You will support the commercial and delivery teams by procuring materials and plant efficiently and cost-effectively. The company already has strong relationships with plant hire companies and builders' merchants, and your role will be to maintain, strengthen, and commercially optimise these relationships. You will be joining an established buying team of two experienced Buyers, making this an ideal role for someone who wants responsibility but also the backing of a knowledgeable team and structured environment.
Your Next Employer - Where You'll Be Working
Our client is a well-regarded construction main contractor with a turnover of circa £30m, operating across residential, refurbishment, and mixed-use projects. Based in St Albans, with additional operations in London, the business has continued to grow steadily and invest in its people. They are known for promoting from within, maintaining long-term staff retention, and creating a professional, no-nonsense working culture where commercial awareness and collaboration are valued.
Requirements & Rewards - What You Give & What You Get
- Some experience buying construction materials and plant.
- Confidence negotiating prices with suppliers and hire companies.
- Strong understanding of the construction supply chain.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work full-time from the St Albans office.
In return, you will receive:
- Salary of £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience.
- A competitive overall package.
- A stable, long-term role within a growing business.
- Support from an experienced buying team.
- Clear opportunity to progress as the company continues to expand.
How to Apply
If you're interested in this Assistant Buyer opportunity, please do one of the following:
- Click "Apply" on the job board.
- Send your CV directly to Alex @ (url removed) (remove spaces).
- Call Alex on the number below.
- Connect with Alex Wallace on LinkedIn and send a message.
Not sure if it's the perfect fit? No problem — get in touch, and we'll talk it through. I'll always give you honest advice.
Assistant Buyer in St Albans employer: Reinforced Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Reinforced Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction industry, especially those who might know someone at the company you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves negotiating prices with suppliers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your confidence in discussions. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in buying construction materials and plant. We want to see how your skills match the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this Assistant Buyer position and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiating prices is key in this role, include examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated with suppliers. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Reinforced Recruitment
✨Know Your Materials
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of construction materials and plant. Familiarise yourself with the types of materials commonly used in projects similar to those the company handles. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand the industry.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past experiences where you successfully negotiated prices with suppliers or managed relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your confidence and ability to handle supplier interactions effectively.
✨Understand the Supply Chain
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the construction supply chain. Research how different materials flow from suppliers to projects and be prepared to discuss how you can optimise these processes. This knowledge will highlight your commercial awareness and readiness for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's existing supplier relationships and their procurement processes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers.