Buyer

Buyer

Entry level 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Sisk

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support the procurement team in sourcing and managing construction materials.
  • Company: Join a family-owned construction company with a global impact.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days leave, pension, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Collaborative culture with structured training and exposure to major projects.
  • Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with real projects and growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Some experience in buying or procurement; COINS knowledge is a plus.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

At John Sisk & Son, we’re more than a construction company. We’re a family-owned business with a global reach, committed to building excellence in every project. We deliver trust, certainty and value to our clients while embracing innovation and shaping the future of construction. The Assistant Buyer will support the Purchasing Manager and wider Procurement team in the sourcing and administration of construction materials and services. The role offers a strong foundation for someone looking to develop a career in procurement, with opportunities for learning, growth and contribution to key projects across Ireland.

Responsibilities

  • Place purchase orders for materials and plant in support of reactive maintenance works.
  • Raise and process purchase orders accurately and promptly in response to site requisitions.
  • Source materials and plant to meet programme, cost and quality requirements.
  • Obtain and compare supplier quotations when required.
  • Resolve order discrepancies, invoice queries and delivery issues.
  • Maintain accurate procurement records within the company system (COINS).
  • Take responsibility for placing orders against agreed suppliers, rates and framework agreements where available.
  • Keep requisitioners and site teams updated on order status and lead times.
  • Maintain up-to-date supplier and pricing information.
  • Build and maintain effective working relationships with suppliers and the wider supply chain.
  • Liaise with site teams, supervisors and the commercial function to understand demand and priorities.
  • Support cost control by securing competitive pricing and flagging price increases or supply risks.
  • Act in a suitable & professional manner at all times.

Experience

  • Some experience in a buying, purchasing or procurement administration role (construction, rail or maintenance an advantage).
  • Experience of the COINS system desirable.
  • Ability to effectively utilise a range of Microsoft Office tools.
  • Strong attention to detail and accuracy in processing orders.
  • Ability to work at pace in a reactive environment and manage competing priorities.
  • Demonstrate clear written & oral communication.
  • Demonstrate ownership / commercial awareness.
  • Effective time management, organisational and interpersonal skills.

Behaviours/Key Attributes

  • Sense of urgency and responsiveness.
  • Uses initiative.
  • Calm and resilient under pressure.
  • Collaborative team player.
  • Accountability and ownership.
  • Accuracy and a “right first time” mindset.
  • Integrity and commercial ethics – fair, transparent dealings with suppliers and acting in the company’s interest at all times.

Qualifications

  • Desirable Qualifications / Training: Experience of COINS or a similar ERP / procurement system.
  • Knowledge of construction / rail materials and plant.

Additional Information

  • Flexibility to work on-site approximately one day per week, with the remaining days office-based or hybrid after probation.
  • Willingness to travel to sites across Ireland as required.
  • Collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a proactive approach to learning.

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary.
  • 26 days annual leave plus additional company days.
  • Pension and benefits.
  • Structured development and training opportunities.
  • Exposure to major construction projects.
  • Supportive team culture and flexible working.

At Sisk Group our people are at the heart of our success. We offer the chance to work with purpose, build a career with no limits and be part of a great team. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic. Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process.

Buyer employer: Sisk

At John Sisk & Son, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned business that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. As a Buyer, you will benefit from competitive salaries, 26 days of annual leave, and structured development opportunities while working on major construction projects across Ireland. Our commitment to employee growth and a collaborative environment makes us an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in procurement.

Sisk

Contact Details:

Sisk Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Buyer

Tip Number 1

Get to know the company inside out! Research John Sisk & Son, their projects, and their values. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their family.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to procurement and buying. Think about how your skills align with the role and be ready to share examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your capabilities.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at John Sisk & Son.

We think you need these skills to ace Buyer

Purchase Order Management
Supplier Sourcing
Quotation Comparison
Procurement Record Maintenance
COINS System Proficiency
Microsoft Office Tools Utilisation
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Buyer role. Highlight any relevant experience in procurement or construction, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.

Showcase Your Attention to Detail:As a Buyer, accuracy is key! Use your application to demonstrate your attention to detail. Mention specific examples where you've successfully managed orders or resolved discrepancies.

Communicate Clearly:We love clear communication! Make sure your written application reflects your ability to convey information effectively. Keep it concise and professional, but let your personality shine through.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!

How to prepare for a job interview at Sisk

Know Your Materials

Familiarise yourself with the types of construction materials and services relevant to the role. Research common suppliers and their offerings, as well as any recent trends in the industry. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the procurement process during the interview.

Master the COINS System

If you have experience with the COINS system or similar ERP tools, be ready to discuss it. If not, take some time to learn the basics. Being able to talk about how you would use such systems to maintain accurate procurement records will show your initiative and readiness for the role.

Showcase Your Communication Skills

As a Buyer, you'll need to liaise with various teams and suppliers. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in resolving discrepancies or managing competing priorities. Clear communication is key, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly.

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit

This role requires collaboration with site teams and the wider supply chain. Think of instances where you've worked successfully in a team environment. Highlight your ability to support others and contribute positively to group dynamics, as this will resonate well with the company's values.