At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement and cost control for construction materials while leading a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Vistry Southern, a top UK housebuilder with a commitment to integrity and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, company car, and up to 39 days annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable community development while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in buying for construction, strong maths skills, and a collaborative spirit.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Senior Buyer - Basingstoke
Job Type
Full time In a Nutshell
We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Buyer to join our team within Vistry Southern, at our Basingstoke office.
As our Senior Buyer, you will provide a full range of cost control, forecasting and financial reporting duties on all aspects of materials supply and plant for construction work within your region.
Working closely with the wider Commercial team, you will be responsible for the performance of the sites within your control.
We value in-person collaboration and team culture, but were also committed to supporting flexible working where possible.
We encourage you to raise any specific requirements during the interview process so we can explore how this could be accommodated.
- Lets cut to the chase, whats in it for you
- Competitive basic salary and annual bonus
- Company car, car allowance or travel allowance
- Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees
- Up to 39 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 2 Volunteering days per annum
- Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice
- Life assurance at 4 x your annual salary
- Share save and share incentive schemes
- Christmas company shutdown
- Employee rewards portal with many more benefits
- In return, what we would like from you
- Behave in line with our company values
- Integrity, Caring and Quality
- 5 or more GCSE passes at grades A
- C, including English and Mathematics
- Proven length of experience working for a contractor or residential house developer in a buying role.
- A good understanding of building regulations and legal obligations
- A good knowledge of construction methods and materials
- Strong mathematical and IT ability. Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
- Ability to assess and analyse information
- Good commercial sense
- Good understanding of budget management
- Negotiating and networking skills
- Excellent communications skills
- Able to work under pressure, and accept criticism of work
- Good team working skills
- Accurate with an eye for detail
- Willingness to go above and beyond to meet deadlines as and when the business requires it.
Desirable
- Degree in Construction or similar, or,
- HNC / ONC in Construction or similar
- Member of the Chartered Institute of Building, or working towards full membership
- Working towards being a chartered member of the Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS)
- Experience of COINS
- More about the Senior Buyer role
- Manage, coach and develop the Assistant Buyer to create a high-performing and efficient team, working closely with key stakeholders within the business
- Lead the pre-start meetings, including the presentation of relevant Health & Safety documentation
- Support the wider Commercial and Buying team with new products and innovation by investigating new solutions and innovations within the industry
- Deputise for the Buying / Procurement Manager where necessary and assist with the production of sales specifications for each project
- Agree the price specification with manufacturers of key suppliers, preparing the CPC1 (Material Costs) including providing material schedules from working drawings
- Input material schedules onto the relevant system and produce material budgets for the Surveying team
- Place material orders and procure additional materials not covered by schedules and place supplementary orders, analysing any variations
- Place plant orders by liaising with the Construction Director for compound layout and site set-up
- Produce cost reports and provide analysis of material costs for completion, actioning material and plant invoices
- Ensure all materials are delivered to sites in line with current build programmes, specification and are purchased at competitive prices inline with the companies group & regional deals where applicable.
- Ensure the procurement of all sites/buying phases are continually monitored against budget.
- Maintain an up to date library of standard house type material schedules.
- Produce accurate site specific material schedules and process material orders.
- Monitor material order values against budget values and address large variations with the Regional Regional Buying Manager.
- Ensure the tender process is adhered to for all new sites/phases in line with the regions tendering/procurement policy.
- Negotiate regional bulk price agreements and ensure competitive quotations are obtained for materials not covered by bulk agreements.
- Continually monitor price agreements to ensure they always remain competitive.
- Continually monitor supplier performance and hold regular meetings with main suppliers.
- Place orders for key showhome materials before pre-start meetings if required to meet showhouse programme dates.
- Process site purchase orders for replacement materials and produce monthly reports detailing expenditure.
- Continually research new products.
- Ensure the invoice checking procedure is being carried out and where necessary negotiate credits.
- Monitor the goods received sheets and liaise with build and site managers to ensure correct completion procedures are maintained.
- Complete stock valuation exercised as required during the year.
- Continually monitor material lead times, keeping build and site managers informed, instigate forward material allocation when necessary.
- Manage site call-offs and carry out regular stock takes to ensure site stocks remain cost effective.
- Maintain general specification for the regions housing range and ensure compliance with divisional general specification.
- Manage all amendments to specification as and when required.
- Monitor plant levels and ensure it is off lined when no longer needed.
- Ensure some labour and all material sub-contractors are procured within the agreed programme and to within budgetary levels.
- Ensure the efficient running of the computerised sub-contract purchasing system.
- Maintain a library of standard house type sub-contract schedules.
- Manage estimating functions for production of accurate estimated costs for housing, roads and sewers.
- Produce site specific material schedules.
- Ensure the material database is kept up to date.
- Ensure material tender lists are prepared in conjunction with the build department, and to the approval of the Regional Buying Manager / Commercial Manager/
- Ensure tenders are checked and comply with site specification and current trade specifications, and the tender drawings for the site include the Bovis Homes standard details.
- Produce reports comparing tender prices obtained, and an analysis of how they compare to the viability.
- Report to the Regional Buying Manager / Commercial Manager on the tender enquiry status and seek authorisation to place sub-contract orders.
- Ensure all material orders are processed correctly and efficiently.
- Ensure copies of approved material tenders lists, authorised tender enquiry summaries and cost valuation reports are kept on record.
- Continually monitor sub-contractor performance by liaising with build and surveying personnel.
- Ensure company procedures are followed with regard to the termination of any material suppliers and seek to replace with an alternative material supplier within budgetary levels.
- Finally, lets tell you a bit more about us
We build more than homes, were making Vistry.
Being a responsible developer and award-winning employer means we live each day through our ethos - doing the right thing.
Our behaviours reflect this, as well as our values of integrity, caring and quality.
Shaping all we do; they empower us to develop sustainable communities across affordable and private housing.
We work in a partnership-led way, and youll recognise our renowned brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes.
Together with Vistry Works, our manufacturing operation, and the functional support of Vistry Services, were a proud UK Green Building Council member, UK top five housebuilder with a five-star House Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction rating, and winner of many awards including Top Employer, Global Top Inspiring Workplaces, and Best for Talent Attraction and Outreach.
Join us in making Vistry.
#LI-TP1
Senior Buyer - Basingstoke in West End employer: Vistry
Vistry is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture in Cheltenham, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. As a Finance Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to build your career while contributing to meaningful financial strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer - Basingstoke in West End
✨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 Vistry, 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 Senior Buyer - Basingstoke at Vistry.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer - Basingstoke in West End
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 Vistry
✨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!
