Material Buyer

Our client are a well established privately owned developer and contractor with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects across Hampshire and Berkshire. They are seeking a highly organised and customer-focused Material Buyer who will also take on the Customer Care Coordination duties for the business, across between circa three live projects. This role will involve managing the procurement process for a range of projects, ensuring timely delivery of materials and equipment, and providing outstanding customer service to their customers. Specialising in residential developments, but with a diverse portfolio including commercial projects, new build extensions, and lodge house refurbishments. They are committed to providing exceptional service to their clients and are looking for a talented and motivated individual to join the team. **Responsibilities** Buyer / Scheduler * Produce schedules from drawings for material and sub-contract orders * Building relationships with suppliers to develop and sustain a quality supply service. * Place material orders to achieve build programmes i.e. meet suppliers, agree prices, set up the most commercially viable agreements, place orders (bricklaying materials, carpentry materials, compound / prelim items) * Dealing with site and supplier queries and issues eg invoice queries from item above * Liaising with technical to obtain sign off of schedules / designs i.e. lintels / roof trusses * Liaising with Site Managers to audit materials on site and establish requirements going forward * Assist Managing Surveyor with Housing Association tenders * Assist in producing O&M Manuals for Housing Association / Contracting Work * Liaising with Site Managers to maintain plant i.e. servicing, repairs, LOLER test * Assist surveyor in costing Purchasers Extras * Place material & plant orders for other companies within the Group where they don’t have Builders Merchant / plant hire accounts Customer Care Coordinator * Produce / update customer care schedule based on e-mails received from homeowners & Housing Associations * Assist Build Manager / team with arranging the necessary trades and materials to complete customer care defects * Liaise with the homeowners over access for staff / subcontractors to carry out any works * E-mail sign off of the defects to the homeowners & Housing Associations and update customer care schedule accordingly * Sign off and approval of the sub-contract / material invoices for these works **Skills and Experience** * Minimum 3-4 years of experience in a purchasing role within the construction industry, specifically within housing schemes. * Strong understanding of the procurement process and related legal requirements. * Proven ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers and secure the best possible prices. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. * Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive approach to finding solutions. * Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously. * Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. * Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). * Experience with purchasing software systems is desirable. **Benefits** * Competitive salary and benefits package. * Opportunity to work on a variety of interesting and challenging projects. * Collaborative and supportive working environment. * Opportunities for professional development