The company Our client is a well-established and highly regarded groundworks and civil engineering contractor based in Birmingham. They deliver substructure, groundworks, civils and highways (S278) works for major contractors and developers across the commercial, residential, retail, industrial, education, health and leisure sectors. They have a large directly employed workforce, a strong record of repeat business and a reputation built on integrity and reliability. The role Our client is looking for a Buyer to join their procurement team. You’ll be responsible for sourcing and buying materials for a busy portfolio of live projects and managing some plant hire requirements. You’ll work closely with site and commercial teams to make sure the right materials and plant arrive on site on time and at the right price. What you’ll be doing * Procuring groundworks and civils materials: aggregates, concrete, drainage, ducting, kerbs, reinforcement and similar * Arranging and managing plant hire, including on/off hires and hire records * Obtaining and comparing quotations and negotiating price, terms and lead times * Raising purchase orders and keeping procurement records accurate and up to date * Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and hire companies * Liaising with site managers and quantity surveyors on requirements, deliveries and programme * Resolving delivery issues, discrepancies and invoice queries * Tracking spend and helping identify savings across the supply chain What we’re looking for * Buying or procurement experience within construction, ideally groundworks, civils or a main contractor * Good knowledge of construction materials and suppliers * Experience of managing plant hire is an advantage * Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness * Organised, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines * Good communicator, confident dealing with site teams and suppliers * Competent with Excel and purchasing/ERP systems * Full UK driving licence What’s on offer * £35,000 – £50,000 depending on experience * Package * A stable, growing contractor with a strong pipeline of work * A supportive team and long-term career development
Buyer – Materials & Plant Hire in Birmingham employer: S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd
Join a highly respected specialist contractor known for its commitment to safety and excellence in the demolition sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects across the UK while being part of a supportive operational team that values communication and collaboration. The company offers competitive salaries and packages, along with a clear path for career advancement, making it an ideal employer for those passionate about delivering complex projects safely and effectively.
Contact Details:
S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer – Materials & Plant Hire in Birmingham
✨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 S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd, 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 Buyer – Materials & Plant Hire at S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd.
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 S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd
✨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!
