At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and procure construction materials while ensuring efficient procurement strategies.
- Company: Join a leading construction and civil engineering contractor with a growing procurement team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on exciting infrastructure projects and develop supplier relationships.
- Why this job: Play a key role in major infrastructure projects and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of construction materials and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Vickerstock are working in partnership with a construction and civil engineering contractor to recruit a Buyer to join their growing procurement team.
This is an great chance for an experienced procurement professional to play a key role in the successful delivery of major infrastructure and construction projects.
The Role
The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, plant, equipment, and services while ensuring projects are supported through efficient, cost-effective procurement strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Source and procure construction materials including concrete, steel, aggregates, pipes, and related products.
- Obtain, analyse, and compare quotations, tenders, and supplier proposals.
- Raise and manage purchase orders in line with project requirements and procurement procedures.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with approved suppliers and subcontractors.
- Monitor supplier performance in relation to quality, cost, and delivery and identify and onboard alternative suppliers to mitigate risk and improve competitiveness.
- Support the ongoing development of a reliable and high-performing supply chain.
- Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and contractual arrangements.
- Ensure procurement activities align with project budgets and commercial objectives.
- Liaise with Project Managers, Engineers, and Site Teams to understand project requirements and procurement schedules.
- Ensure materials and services are delivered on time to support project milestones.
- Proactively resolve supply chain issues and minimise disruption to site operations.
- Provide regular procurement updates to internal stakeholders.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with company procedures, contractual obligations, and industry standards.
- Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier information, and purchasing documentation.
- Assist with reporting requirements, audits, and procurement performance reviews.
- Monitor stock levels and support effective inventory management.
- Minimise waste, over-ordering, and unnecessary expenditure.
- What You'll Need
- Knowledge of construction materials, suppliers, and industry procurement practices.
- Experience negotiating commercial terms and managing supplier relationships.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels of the business.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience using ERP or procurement systems.
Desirable Experience
- Experience supporting infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, utilities, or major civil engineering works.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Buyer - Civils/Construction employer: Vickerstock
Join a leading engineering and manufacturing specialist in County Louth, where your role as an HR Business Partner will be pivotal in driving operational growth and fostering a collaborative culture. With a strong commitment to employee development and wellbeing, the company offers excellent career progression opportunities, a supportive team environment, and a range of benefits including a competitive pension scheme and enhanced annual leave. Experience a positive workplace culture that values innovation and teamwork while making a meaningful impact across multiple sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Civils/Construction
✨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 Vickerstock, 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 - Civils/Construction at Vickerstock.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer - Civils/Construction
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 Vickerstock
✨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!
