At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and manage purchase orders in a dynamic construction environment.
- Company: Join Tilbury Douglas, a leading UK construction and engineering firm.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 26 days leave, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values innovation and personal growth.
- Why this job: Kickstart your procurement career while making a real impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong IT skills, and excellent communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
We are looking to appoint a proactive and detail-focused Assistant Buyer to join our Procurement & Supply Chain team. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your procurement career within a leading construction business, supporting projects across multiple sites and helping to deliver value through effective purchasing and supplier engagement.
Working closely with project teams, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, you will play a key role in managing purchase orders, supporting tender activities, maintaining supplier relationships, and driving efficiencies across the procurement process. You will also contribute to wider procurement initiatives including sustainability, innovation, and supply chain development.
Key Duties
- Raise and manage purchase orders through preferred supplier agreements, ensuring timely and accurate processing of requisitions from project teams.
- Support projects by liaising with suppliers and site teams to resolve enquiries relating to orders, deliveries, and procurement activities.
- Assist with tender processes, including obtaining quotations, analysing supplier submissions, and identifying value-adding opportunities.
- Monitor compliance with procurement processes and preferred supplier agreements, supporting effective risk and cost management.
- Promote innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement through engagement with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
About You
You will be a well-organised and motivated individual with strong attention to detail and an interest in procurement and supply chain management. You will bring:
- Experience working within a procurement, purchasing, supply chain, or multi-site business environment.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint; experience of ERP systems is desirable.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships.
- A methodical approach, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- An interest in digital procurement tools, data analysis, and continuous improvement initiatives.
What we can offer you
- Competitive salary
- 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
- 3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years
- Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
- Life Assurance
- Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave
- 2 days volunteering opportunities
- Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Professional membership fees
- Perks at Work Employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more
- Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as: Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner), Dental Insurance, Travel insurance, Cycle to work scheme, Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions.
Who we are
Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and environment. It is our people who make Tilbury Douglas a success. We believe our inclusive culture encourages new ways of thinking, enabling us to innovate whilst remaining resilient. We value and celebrate all individual differences and look forward to receiving your application. We are proud to announce that we have retained our Investors in Diversity Silver Award.
Please note that this role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance which includes identity, employment history, and criminal record checks. Please note we do not have a sponsorship licence. We look forward to receiving your application.
Assistant Buyer employer: Tilbury Douglas
At Tilbury Douglas, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that fosters professional growth and development. As an Assistant Buyer in Birmingham, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a range of flexible benefits, all while contributing to impactful projects across various sectors. Our commitment to innovation and sustainability, combined with opportunities for volunteering and professional development, makes us a rewarding place to advance your procurement career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Buyer
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Tilbury Douglas.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Tilbury Douglas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Tilbury Douglas. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Tilbury Douglas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tilbury Douglas
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Tilbury Douglas!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Tilbury Douglas. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Tilbury Douglas's culture.
