Construction Buyer in Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear

Construction Buyer

Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Salary: £38,000 - £40,000 (Subject to Experience)

Package: Car Allowance + Benefits
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Job Description

As a Company Buyer, you will be responsible for the various procurement processes which are an integral part of the delivery side of the business, across all departments.

In this role, you will be responsible to the Head of Purchasing.

This position would suit a candidate with a strong construction bias, commercial awareness, and business acumen, who can effectively manage procurement activities while supporting operational delivery and maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

This will include, but is not limited to, the following duties:

• Purchase goods, materials and services to ensure operational needs are met, taking into account price, quality and delivery, and to ensure continuity of supply.
• Manage the performance of the Assistant Buyer, delegate tasks and provide guidance and training.
• Build, maintain and manage supplier relationships and ensure good communication.
• Assess and evaluate suppliers and undertake performance reviews to ensure contract compliance and manage performance improvement activities.
• Support product change requests and review the impact on capacity plans.
• Stay current and up to date on any changes that may affect the supply or demand of needed products and materials and advise others of the impact.
• Attend meetings and update others on concerns, particularly when there is a risk that could prevent the organisation from meeting programmes.
• Receive requisitions (verbally and by email) for civil engineering and building materials.
• Send out enquiry packages for building and civil engineering materials.
• Undertake quotation evaluation and supplier comparisons.
• Place orders (mainly via email) for civil engineering and building materials, including liaising with site teams to programme deliveries and expedite orders. This will include maintaining order logs and procurement records.
• Invoice checking, including resolving supplier queries.
• Maintain spreadsheets and procurement records, including cost comparisons and site order information.
• Place verbal orders with suppliers when necessary.

Continuous Improvement

You will contribute to the overall running and continuous improvement of the business, along with the development of the Purchasing Department, by ensuring that the highest professional standards are maintained to continually improve the service given to clients. This includes:

• Identifying problems and offering solutions.
• Ensuring procurement procedures are followed and offering suggestions regarding their development and improvement.
• Encouraging and developing teamwork both within your team and between teams, internally and externally.
• Maintaining an excellent understanding of internal processes and procedures relevant to procurement activities.

General Requirements

You will be expected to maintain the highest levels of confidentiality at all times regarding the business and its clients. You must also work efficiently and safely at all times in accordance with appropriate training, company policies and HSE guidelines.

Your ability to build strong working relationships with suppliers, clients and colleagues is essential, alongside your ability to communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing.

You should demonstrate initiative and be capable of working with minimal supervision, prioritising workload effectively and meeting strict deadlines whilst maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

A flexible, proactive and conscientious approach to work is essential.

The duties listed above are not intended to be exhaustive and may be revised in accordance with the requirements of the department and wider business.

Person Specification

Essential

Experience & Skills

• Experience within a construction, civil engineering, building contractor or related environment.
• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Experience purchasing construction materials, plant, equipment or subcontract services.
• Ability to build and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Good analytical and numerical skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Sound understanding of procurement and cost control principles.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and procurement requirements simultaneously.

Knowledge & Qualifications

• Knowledge of construction materials and supply chains.
• High level of computer literacy.
• Ideally educated to degree level or equivalent.

Desirable

• Previous experience working for a building contractor or civil engineering contractor.
• Knowledge of supplier negotiations and procurement strategies.
• Experience supporting multiple construction projects across various sectors.
• Working towards or holding a relevant purchasing or procurement qualification.

Package

• £38,000 - £40,000 per annum (subject to experience)
• Car Allowance
• Company Benefits Package
• Career Development Opportunities
• Supportive and Growing Construction Environment