At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement by sourcing and purchasing construction materials for exciting projects.
- Company: W13, a growing construction and property development business in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, full training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for long-term career growth in a collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction materials and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About W13
W13 is a growing construction and property development business delivering high-quality residential and commercial projects across the Midlands. As our business continues to expand, we're looking for an organised and motivated Procurement Assistant – Building Materials to support our procurement function. This role is ideal for someone with experience in a builders' merchant, trade counter, construction supplies, or similar environment who is looking to move into an office-based procurement career. You'll bring valuable product knowledge and supplier understanding, while we'll provide training and support to develop your procurement skills.
The Role
Working closely with the Procurement team, you'll assist with sourcing and purchasing construction materials to ensure projects are supplied efficiently, on time and within budget. You'll build relationships with suppliers, obtain quotations, process purchase orders and help maintain accurate procurement records, playing an important role in supporting the delivery of construction projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the procurement of construction materials and plant.
- Obtain quotations from suppliers and compare pricing.
- Raise and process purchase orders accurately.
- Liaise with suppliers regarding deliveries, lead times and product availability.
- Monitor outstanding orders and resolve delivery issues.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Ensure materials are ordered in line with project programmes.
- Update procurement systems and maintain accurate records.
- Support negotiations on pricing where appropriate.
- Work closely with Site Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Contracts Managers to understand project requirements.
- Assist with identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Provide general administrative support to the procurement function.
About You
We're looking for someone who understands construction materials and enjoys building relationships. You'll ideally have experience working within:
- Builders' Merchant
- Trade Counter
- Construction Supplies
- Timber Merchant
- Plumbing Merchant
- Electrical Wholesaler
- Roofing Merchant
- Construction Distribution
- Internal Sales within Construction
Previous procurement experience isn't essential—we'll provide training. What matters most is your understanding of construction products, excellent organisation and willingness to learn.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Experience within the construction materials or builders' merchant sector.
- Good knowledge of construction products and materials.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Confident using Microsoft Office.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Positive attitude with a willingness to learn.
- Strong customer service and relationship-building skills.
Desirable
- Previous buying or procurement experience.
- Experience using procurement or ERP systems.
- Understanding of construction projects and programmes.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Career progression opportunities.
- Full training and development.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Opportunity to develop a long-term career within procurement.
- Growing and ambitious business.
- Company pension.
- Annual leave plus bank holidays.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
W13 is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.
Why Join W13?
This is an opportunity to build a long-term career with a growing construction business where your contribution will make a real difference. If you have a strong understanding of construction materials and are looking to develop your career in procurement, we'd love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Assistant - Building Materials in Birmingham
✨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 W13 Group.
✨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 Procurement Assistant - Building Materials in Birmingham
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 W13 Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to W13 Group. 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 W13 Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at W13 Group
✨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 W13 Group!
✨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 W13 Group. 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 W13 Group's culture.
