At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and manage materials for exciting construction and shopfitting projects.
- Company: Join Thompsons, a leader in high-quality construction and fit-out services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic work culture with multiple projects and high responsibility.
- Why this job: Be part of fast-paced projects that make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction or a strong desire to learn and grow.
St Annes / Blackpool | Full-time | Permanent £27,000 – £31,500 per annum dependent on experience + Training
About Thompsons
At Thompsons, we specialise in delivering high-quality shopfitting, fit-out, and construction projects across the UK. Key sectors include hospitality, hotels, quick serve, and new build developments. Working with many global brands, we deliver projects on a fast-track basis, often within live environments, where accuracy, responsiveness, and teamwork are critical. Our reputation is built on consistently meeting tight deadlines, maintaining high standards, and delivering within budgets. Every department plays a crucial role in this success—and our Buying team sits at the centre of project delivery.
The Role
We are seeking a capable and motivated Buyer & Plant Hire Support (Construction / Shopfitting / Fit-Out) to join our team. This role will suit either:
- A Buyer within construction or fit-out
- A high-potential junior candidate with some industry exposure who is ready to step up and develop quickly
We are open to individuals who are early in their career but demonstrate the drive, work ethic, and attitude needed to succeed in a fast-paced procurement environment. You will be responsible for sourcing and managing the supply of materials, fixtures, fittings, and supporting in the hiring of plant and skips, whilst ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement & Purchasing
- Source and procure shopfitting and construction materials, including joinery, fixtures, fittings, finishes, and specialist items
- Obtain and assess supplier and subcontractor quotations against drawings, specifications, and project requirements
- Raise, manage, and track purchase orders through to delivery and invoicing
- Support value-led purchasing decisions to achieve best cost and quality outcomes
- Project-Based Procurement
- Work closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and site teams
- Interpret specifications and schedules to determine procurement requirements
- Plan procurement activities in line with fast-track project programmes
- Ensure materials and services are delivered on time to avoid delays
- Supplier & Supply Chain Management
- Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and manufacturers
- Source specialist suppliers for bespoke items where required
- Negotiate pricing, lead times, and availability
- Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues quickly and effectively
- Cost Control & Commercial Awareness
- Support delivery of projects within budget constraints
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and alternative sourcing
- Work alongside the commercial team to ensure alignment with project budgets
- Maintain visibility of procurement spend across projects
- Logistics & Coordination
- Coordinate deliveries to site, including phased and just-in-time deliveries
- Manage procurement requirements across multiple concurrent projects
- Liaise with site teams to ensure materials are available when required
- Compliance & Systems
- Ensure materials meet required specifications and standards
- Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation
- Use systems such as Sage 200 (training and support provided where necessary)
Skills & Experience
- Experience or exposure to construction, shopfitting, fit-out, building materials and plant hire
- Understanding of procurement, purchasing, or supply chain processes
- Broad knowledge (or willingness to learn) of building materials used in key sectors
- Familiarity with Sage 200 advantageous
- Strong organisational skills with high attention to detail
- Good standard of English and Maths
- Competent use of IT systems including Excel
Personal Attributes
- Strong work ethic with a determination to see tasks through to completion
- Able to perform in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Professional, dependable, and accountable
- Enthusiastic with a genuine interest in learning about new materials and suppliers
- Proactive, solutions-focused, and resilient under pressure
- A team player who contributes to the overall success of the business
Why Join Thompsons?
- Be part of a business delivering high-quality, fast-track construction and shopfitting projects
- Ongoing training and development, including support with internal systems
- Work within a supportive and experienced team environment
- Play a key role in maintaining our reputation for delivery, reliability, and repeat business
Working Environment
- Fast-track programmes with tight deadlines and high expectations
- Multiple projects running simultaneously across different locations
- High level of responsibility and autonomy
- A culture where performance, accuracy, and commitment are valued
Buyer & Plant Hire Support (Construction / Shopfitting / Fit-Out) employer: Thompsons Ltd
Thompsons is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in St Annes / Blackpool where you can thrive as a Buyer & Plant Hire Support. With a strong focus on training and development, employees are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to high-quality, fast-paced construction and shopfitting projects. Join a supportive team that values performance, accuracy, and commitment, ensuring you play a vital role in maintaining our esteemed reputation for delivery and reliability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer & Plant Hire Support (Construction / Shopfitting / Fit-Out)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the construction and shopfitting sectors. Attend industry events or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with procurement and project management. Bring it along to interviews to demonstrate your capabilities and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to procurement and supply chain management. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer & Plant Hire Support (Construction / Shopfitting / Fit-Out)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer & Plant Hire Support role. Highlight any relevant experience in construction, shopfitting, or procurement. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you a great fit. We love seeing enthusiasm and a genuine interest in the industry.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to mention your organisational skills and attention to detail. These are crucial in our fast-paced environment. If you've got experience with systems like Sage 200, make sure to include that too!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thompsons Ltd
✨Know Your Materials
Familiarise yourself with the types of materials and fixtures relevant to construction and shopfitting. Being able to discuss specific products and their applications will show your understanding of the industry and impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to manage multiple tasks and projects simultaneously. Highlight any experience you have in coordinating deliveries or managing procurement processes, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Understand Procurement Processes
Brush up on procurement and purchasing principles. Be ready to discuss how you would approach sourcing materials and managing supplier relationships, as these are key responsibilities in the Buyer & Plant Hire Support role.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with project managers and site teams, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team environment. Emphasise your communication skills and how they contribute to project success.
