Buyer

Ospringe Source: WhatJobs

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Buyer - Construction & Building Services

Location: Sittingbourne, Kent

Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: Competitive, Dependent on Experience

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting on behalf of an established contractor within the construction and building services sector, seeking an experienced Buyer to join their team based in Sittingbourne, Kent.

Our client delivers a range of construction, mechanical and electrical projects across the Commercial, Residential and Public Sectors, with a focus on quality, reliability and long-term client relationships.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded and organised individual to join a growing business, supporting procurement activities across a varied portfolio of projects.

The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing materials, managing supplier relationships, negotiating competitive prices and ensuring materials and equipment are procured efficiently to meet project requirements.

The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of purchasing activities while developing professionally within an established business.

Key Responsibilities

Managing the procurement of construction materials, mechanical and electrical equipment, plant and associated supplies.
Sourcing materials and obtaining competitive quotations from suppliers and manufacturers.
Negotiating pricing, terms and delivery schedules to achieve best value.
Raising and processing purchase orders in line with project requirements.
Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
Coordinating deliveries to ensure materials arrive in line with project programmes.
Monitoring supplier performance, lead times and material availability.
Working closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and site teams to understand procurement requirements.
Maintaining accurate purchasing records, order documentation and supplier information.
Identifying opportunities to improve procurement efficiency and reduce costs.
Resolving supply chain issues, including delayed deliveries, material shortages and order discrepancies.
Ensuring purchasing activities align with project budgets, specifications and internal procedures.

Essential Requirements

Previous experience as a Buyer, Assistant Buyer or Procurement Coordinator, ideally within Construction, M&E or Building Services.
Good understanding of construction materials, equipment and procurement processes.
Experience obtaining quotations, placing orders and liaising with suppliers.
Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness.
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
Ability to manage multiple orders, deadlines and priorities.
Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Experience using purchasing or procurement systems.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a project-focused environment.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience

Experience purchasing mechanical and electrical materials or building services equipment.
Previous experience working for a construction contractor or specialist subcontractor.
CIPS qualification or working towards a relevant procurement qualification.
Knowledge of construction project programmes and material lead times.
Experience supporting procurement across multiple projects.
Familiarity with supplier agreements, purchasing budgets and cost reporting.
Experience within refurbishment, maintenance or small works environments.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a proactive, organised and commercially aware

o can confidently manage procurement activities within a busy construction environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent attention to detail, strong supplier management skills and the ability to work effectively with internal project teams.

This opportunity would suit an individual who enjoys taking ownership of their workload, identifying opportunities for improvement and contributing to the successful delivery of construction projects.