At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and purchase materials for exciting construction projects across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading Joinery and Fit-Out company.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, life assurance, and free on-site parking.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth and teamwork.
- Why this job: Be a key player in delivering high-quality projects and building strong supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying or procurement, especially in construction or joinery.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an organised, commercially aware and proactive Buyer to join our Joinery, Retail and Fit-Out team.
The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing and purchasing materials, plant, equipment and subcontract services to support the successful delivery of projects across the UK and Ireland.
Working closely with Estimators, Project Managers, Contracts Managers and Production teams, the Buyer will ensure materials are procured at the best value, delivered on time and meet the required quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Purchasing & Procurement
- Source and purchase construction materials, joinery products, fixtures, fittings and specialist items.
- Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers to ensure best value.
- Raise purchase orders and manage the purchasing process from enquiry through to delivery.
- Monitor order progress and ensure materials arrive in line with project programmes.
- Resolve delivery issues, shortages and supplier queries promptly.
- Maintain accurate purchasing records and documentation.
- Build and maintain strong working relationships with suppliers.
- Negotiate competitive pricing, discounts and delivery schedules.
- Assist in identifying new suppliers and alternative products where appropriate.
- Monitor supplier performance, quality and reliability.
- Support supplier reviews and maintain approved supplier information.
- Project Support
- Work closely with Estimating and Project Teams to understand project requirements.
- Ensure procurement activities align with project programmes and budgets.
- Source alternative materials and value engineering options where beneficial.
- Assist in managing material availability to minimise project delays.
- Cost Control
- Support the delivery of cost savings through effective purchasing.
- Monitor market trends and pricing fluctuations.
- Produce cost comparisons and purchasing reports when required.
- Assist with budget control by ensuring purchases are commercially competitive.
- Systems & Administration
- Maintain purchasing systems and supplier databases.
- Process purchase orders, order acknowledgements and invoices where required.
- Ensure procurement documentation is completed accurately.
- Produce reports on purchasing activity and supplier performance.
- Key Skills & Experience
- Previous buying or procurement experience within Joinery, Manufacturing or Fit-Out.
- Good knowledge of construction materials and supply chains.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Commercial awareness with a good understanding of cost control.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritise multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Experience using ERP or procurement software.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Full UK driving license.
- Knowledge of bespoke joinery, timber products and fit-out materials.
- Experience working within a fast-paced project environment.
- Personal Attributes
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail.
- Commercially minded and proactive.
- Strong relationship-building skills.
- Able to work under pressure and manage competing priorities.
- Reliable, professional and self-motivated.
- Team player with a positive attitude.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- On-time procurement of materials.
- Cost savings achieved.
- Supplier performance and delivery reliability.
- Accuracy of purchase orders and procurement records.
- Reduction in supply chain issues.
- Internal stakeholder satisfaction.
- Compliance with procurement procedures.
What We Offer
- Company pension scheme.
- Life assurance.
- Free on-site parking.
Why Join Us?
As a Buyer, you will play an integral role in supporting the successful delivery of high-quality Joinery and Fit-Out projects.
You will work with trusted suppliers, contribute to commercialsuccess and become part of a collaborative team committed to delivering excellence for our clients.
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Buyer employer: Somerville Shopfitting Ltd
At Somerville Shopfitting Ltd, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and dynamic work environment where every team member is valued. As a Procurement Buyer in our Joinery and Fit-Out Projects team, you will benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, competitive remuneration, and the chance to work on exciting projects across the UK and Ireland, all while being part of a supportive culture that prioritises quality and innovation.
Contact Details:
Somerville Shopfitting Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨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 Somerville Shopfitting 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 at Somerville Shopfitting Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
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 Somerville Shopfitting 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!