At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for construction projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective sourcing.
- Company: Join a fast-growing independent hotel group in London known for unique, community-focused hotels.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects while developing your skills in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in construction procurement; degree in relevant field required.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior buyers and drive sustainable procurement initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
We are working with a leading, fast-growing independent hotel group based in London, renowned for offering unique, well-located, and affordably priced hotels that reflect the character and spirit of their local communities to onboard an experienced Senior Construction Buyer and be responsible for the strategic procurement of construction materials, equipment, and subcontracted services.
This role ensures the timely, cost-effective, and compliant sourcing of materials while maintaining strong supplier relationships.
With deep industry knowledge and extensive experience, the Senior Buyer leads procurement planning, risk management, and value engineering initiatives for medium to large-scale construction projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end procurement processes for construction projects, from requisition to delivery.
- Develop procurement strategies aligned with project timelines, budgets, and quality standards.
- Evaluate and select suppliers based on quality, cost, reliability, and capacity.
- Negotiate high-value contracts and long-term agreements with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Conduct market and supplier research to identify new sourcing opportunities and innovations.
- Ensure compliance with internal policies, legal requirements, and industry regulations.
- Coordinate with project managers, estimators, engineers, and site teams to align procurement with construction schedules.
- Monitor supplier performance, resolve issues, and drive continuous improvement.
- Analyze procurement data and KPIs to drive efficiency and cost-saving measures.
- Lead and mentor junior buyers or procurement assistants.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field. (Master’s degree preferred.)
- Minimum 15 years + of experience in procurement within the construction industry (commercial, or residential).
- In-depth understanding of construction materials, subcontracting, equipment hire, and logistics.
- Strong negotiation, contract management, and vendor management skills.
- Proven track record of cost savings and procurement efficiencies.
- Proficient in procurement and ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, COINS).
- Excellent communication, analytical, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.
Preferred Certifications:
- CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply)
- PMP (Project Management Professional) – optional but beneficial
- LEED / Green Building experience – added advantage for sustainable procurement
Ref: 3865SJ
Senior Buyer employer: Thomas Gray
Contact Detail:
Thomas Gray Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the construction and procurement sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in construction procurement and sustainability. Being knowledgeable about innovations and best practices will not only enhance your discussions but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past procurement successes. Highlight instances where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier relationships, as these will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the hotel group thoroughly. Understand their values, projects, and market position, so you can tailor your conversations to show how your experience aligns with their goals and needs.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially within the construction industry. Emphasise your achievements in cost savings and supplier management to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention specific examples of your past experiences that demonstrate your negotiation skills and ability to manage procurement processes effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly list your educational background and any certifications such as CIPS or PMP. If you have experience with ERP systems like SAP or Oracle, make sure to mention this as it is crucial for the role.
Showcase Soft Skills: In addition to technical skills, highlight your communication and interpersonal skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with project teams and resolved supplier issues in the past.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thomas Gray
✨Showcase Your Industry Knowledge
Make sure to demonstrate your deep understanding of the construction industry during the interview. Discuss specific materials, subcontracting processes, and logistics that are relevant to the role. This will show that you are not only experienced but also well-versed in current trends and challenges.
✨Prepare for Negotiation Scenarios
Since strong negotiation skills are crucial for this position, be ready to discuss past experiences where you successfully negotiated contracts or resolved supplier issues. You might even want to role-play a negotiation scenario with a friend to sharpen your skills before the interview.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
As a Senior Buyer, you'll likely lead and mentor junior buyers. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. This could include mentoring junior staff or driving procurement strategies that resulted in significant cost savings.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
The role requires analysing procurement data and KPIs. Bring examples of how you've used data to drive efficiency or cost-saving measures in previous roles. This will illustrate your analytical capabilities and your ability to make data-driven decisions.