At a Glance
- Tasks: Source goods and services, negotiate with suppliers, and manage purchasing activities.
- Company: Forward-thinking construction business in Reading with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in procurement across exciting projects.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and construction experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Hybrid working: 3 in the office, 2 at home
Hours: 7:30am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday
Construction experience is essential
We are working with a well-established and forward-thinking business based in Reading who are looking to strengthen their procurement team with an experienced Buyer / Procurement Specialist. This is a great opportunity to join a business that values innovation, continuous improvement, and strong supplier partnerships, while playing a key role in supporting operational delivery across multiple projects.
Your role will see you work closely with the Procurement Manager and Buyers to support end-to-end purchasing activity across both UK and international supply chains. You will be responsible for sourcing goods and services to meet project requirements and budgets, negotiating with suppliers to secure the best possible value, and ensuring smooth delivery of materials and services to support operational needs.
You will also:
- Manage purchasing requisitions and process purchase orders using Sage 200
- Negotiate pricing, contracts, and terms with suppliers to drive cost savings
- Build and maintain strong, long-term supplier relationships
- Identify and onboard new suppliers and product streams to support innovation
- Support cross-departmental communication regarding supply chain challenges
- Work closely with Accounts to ensure timely invoice approvals and payments
- Analyse costs and contribute to ongoing cost reduction initiatives
- Produce purchasing reports and maintain accurate pricing data
- Support supplier performance reviews and risk assessments
- Ensure compliance with company policies, HS&E standards, and procurement procedures
What We Are Looking For
- At least 3 years' experience in a procurement or buying role (construction essential)
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills
- Good commercial awareness with an understanding of cost impact on operations
- Ability to read technical drawings
- Confident user of Excel and Sage 200
- Strong analytical and problem-solving ability
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
- Clear communication and influencing skills
- Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Full UK driving licence
- CIPS (or working towards) would be advantageous but not essential
Buyer in Reading employer: Resourcing Group
Contact Detail:
Resourcing Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Buyer role. 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 procurement processes. Show them you understand their values around innovation and supplier partnerships. We want to see that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely fits into their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves negotiating with suppliers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to secure the best value. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨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 the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer role. Highlight your construction experience and any relevant procurement skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention your negotiation successes. We love seeing examples of how you've secured great deals or built strong supplier relationships in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure you highlight your key achievements without rambling on.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best chance to shine in front of our hiring team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Resourcing Group
✨Know Your Construction Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your construction experience before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them. This will show that you not only have the necessary skills but also understand the industry's nuances.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Since negotiation is a key part of the Buyer role, prepare examples of successful negotiations you've conducted in the past. Think about how you secured better pricing or terms with suppliers and be ready to share those stories. This will demonstrate your ability to drive cost savings effectively.
✨Get Familiar with Sage 200
As a confident user of Excel and Sage 200 is essential, make sure you know your way around these tools. If you can, practice using Sage 200 to process purchase orders or generate reports. Being able to talk about your experience with these systems will give you an edge.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've used analytical skills in previous roles to contribute to cost reduction initiatives. Bring examples of how you've analysed costs and made recommendations based on your findings. This will highlight your problem-solving abilities and commercial awareness.