At a Glance
- Tasks: Support projects from tender enquiry to procurement and material delivery.
- Company: Established contractor in the UK construction industry with a focus on quality and reliability.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £25,000 with strong progression opportunities based on performance.
- Other info: Build relationships and contribute to business growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in estimating and procurement within a dynamic construction environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant fields or industry experience preferred; strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Graduate Buyer & Estimator
Loughborough, Leicestershire Full time Permanent £25,000 starting salary, with strong progression after 6-12 months based on performance and development About the Company
A well-established specialist contractor operating within the UK construction industry.
With decades of experience, they work alongside leading main contractors to deliver interior building solutions on a wide range of commercial, residential and mixed-use developments.
Known for their quality, reliability and long-standing client relationships, they are continuing to grow and are now looking to strengthen their pre-construction team with a Junior/Assistant Buyer & Estimator.
The Opportunity
This is an excellent opportunity for a graduate or early-career professional looking to develop a career in estimating, procurement, quantity surveying or commercial management.
Working within the pre-construction team, you'll support projects from initial tender enquiry through to procurement and material delivery.
You'll learn how to analyse construction drawings, measure and quantify work using specialist take-off software, build detailed cost estimates and create bills of quantities that form the basis of client quotations.
Once projects are secured, you'll transition into the buying function, developing material schedules, negotiating prices with suppliers, placing orders and ensuring materials are delivered to site on time and within budget.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimating
- Reviewing tender enquiries, drawings and technical specifications.
- Identifying missing information and raising technical queries with main contractors.
- Using specialist take-off software to measure wall lengths, ceilings and other construction elements from drawings.
- Producing accurate quantity take-offs and calculating material, labour and installation costs.
- Preparing bills of quantities, pricing schedules and supporting competitive tender submissions.
- Buying & Procurement
- Creating material schedules and master ordering schedules from completed bills of quantities.
- Negotiating prices and agreements with suppliers to achieve best value.
- Managing procurement of materials and ancillary products, including placing orders and coordinating deliveries.
- Ensuring site deliveries are correctly booked into management systems and resolving supply issues, delays and discrepancies.
- Monitoring project spend, material savings and waste performance to support cost control and efficiency.
- Producing project close-out reports and procurement summaries.
The role will also involve relationship management & business development by building strong supplier and contractor relationships, identifying process improvements, and contributing ideas that support business growth, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
About You
We're looking for someone who is
- Confident and professional communication with customers and suppliers.
- Comfortable working with numbers, calculations and spreadsheets.
- A strong and organised problem solver who enjoys finding practical solutions.
- Commercially minded and interested in construction businesses project work.
- Proactive and willing to contribute new ideas.
- Keen to build a long-term career within the construction industry.
Qualifications & Skills
We welcome applicants with relevant industry experience or education, such as a degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Business Management, Mathematics, Economics, or other related disciplines.
You'll also ideally have
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills.
- The ability to interpret technical information and drawings (desirable but not essential).
- Previous placement, internship or industry experience (advantageous but not required).
- A full UK driving licence or willingness to obtain one.
If you're a motivated graduate or early-career professional looking for a role that combines commercial thinking, technical problem-solving, relationship building and project coordination, we'd love to hear from you.
Graduate Buyer & Estimator in Loughborough employer: Step
UK Fusion Energy (UKFE) Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture dedicated to pioneering the future of fusion energy. Employees benefit from a generous pension scheme, flexible working options, and extensive career development opportunities, all while contributing to a groundbreaking project that aims to combat climate change and enhance energy independence. Located in West Burton, Nottinghamshire, UKFE fosters a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Buyer & Estimator in Loughborough
✨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 Step, 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 Graduate Buyer & Estimator at Step.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Buyer & Estimator in Loughborough
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 Step
✨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!
