Construction Buyer
Job Type: Full-time
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Construction Buyer to join our growing procurement team. Working across commercial fit-out, refurbishment, and design & build projects, you will be responsible for procuring construction materials, plant, equipment, and specialist subcontract packages to support multiple projects.
Working closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Site Managers, you will ensure materials and services are procured competitively, delivered on time, and meet the required quality standards while identifying opportunities to improve value and reduce project costs.
Key Responsibilities
The successful candidate will be responsible for sourcing and procuring construction materials, plant, equipment, and specialist subcontract packages. This will include procurement of materials such as drylining, suspended ceilings, joinery, flooring, M&E, HVAC, partitions, fire stopping, decorating, and other finishing trades.
You will obtain competitive quotations from suppliers and subcontractors, negotiate prices, payment terms, delivery schedules, rebates, and supply agreements while maintaining strong relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and subcontractors.
The role will involve raising, managing, and tracking purchase orders in line with company procedures, monitoring market trends and material availability, and identifying cost-saving and value engineering opportunities.
You will ensure materials and subcontractors are available to meet project programmes and deadlines, resolve supplier issues including delivery delays, shortages, and quality concerns, and work closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Site Managers to forecast procurement requirements and maintain effective procurement schedules.
The successful candidate will support budget control through cost comparisons, supplier evaluations, and commercial reviews while maintaining accurate procurement records, supplier databases, and purchasing reports. You will also assist with supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring procurement activities comply with company procedures, contractual obligations, and Health & Safety requirements.
Requirements
The ideal candidate will have previous experience as a Construction Buyer or Procurement Buyer within the construction industry, with strong knowledge of construction materials, suppliers, subcontract procurement, and purchasing processes.
Experience procuring materials and services for commercial fit-out, refurbishment, or design & build projects is highly desirable. You will have excellent negotiation, communication, and supplier management skills, along with strong commercial awareness and the ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
You should be able to manage multiple projects and procurement schedules simultaneously and have good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. A full UK driving licence is preferred for occasional site visits.
Desirable experience includes working with main contractors or design & build contractors, knowledge of procurement software or ERP systems, understanding of JCT contracts and construction procurement practices, and relevant qualifications in Procurement, Construction Management, or a related discipline. Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS), or working towards it, would also be advantageous.
Personal Attributes
You will be highly organised with excellent attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and a proactive commercial approach. The successful candidate will be able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a project team, while building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
You will be professional, reliable, results-driven, and committed to delivering value throughout the procurement process.
Benefits
The role offers a competitive salary, company pension scheme, annual leave entitlement, professional development and training opportunities, and a supportive working environment. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a growing construction business and work on a diverse range of commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects with clear opportunities for career progression.