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 projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing training, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Enjoy autonomy and responsibility while working on multiple projects.
- 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 about procurement.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 31500 £ per year.
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
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
- 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
- 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) in Lytham St Annes employer: Thompsons
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 construction and shopfitting projects for global brands. Our supportive team culture values performance and commitment, ensuring that every member plays a vital role in our success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer & Plant Hire Support (Construction / Shopfitting / Fit-Out) in Lytham St Annes
✨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 Thompsons, 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 & Plant Hire Support (Construction / Shopfitting / Fit-Out) at Thompsons.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer & Plant Hire Support (Construction / Shopfitting / Fit-Out) in Lytham St Annes
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 Thompsons
✨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!
