Assistant Buyer

Ardmore Group; Arkley; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is seeking a Buyer to join their team. This hybrid role will involve sourcing construction materials at competitive prices, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring timely delivery. The ideal candidate should have at least one year of experience in a buying role within the construction sector. The firm offers competitive holiday allowances, pension schemes, and numerous staff benefits.

Benefits

25+ bank holidays

Competitive pension scheme

Staff referral scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Minimum one year experience in a buying role for a construction company.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Buyer in strategic planning across multiple sites.
• Ensure material is ordered on time, foreseeing any delays.
• Drive lowest costs and greatest value for the organisation.
• Act as the point of contact for issues relating to preferred suppliers.
• Conduct supplier market analysis and report on category performance.

Skills

Excellent negotiation skills

Strong administration skills

Excellent IT skills

Ability to develop relationships

Job description

About the Role

Ardmore has been at the forefront of delivering major projects across London, establishing a major reputation for the delivery of large‑scale phased regeneration schemes. Some of our iconic projects include the Corinthia Hotel, Churchills Old War Office, the Ned and many more. This role will be based at our Head Office in Islington, a short walk from Angel or Old Street station. Our head office houses the support/core functions to the business from HR/Recruitment, Buying, Finance and Pre‑construction. This will be a hybrid role; three days in the office and two days working from home, with core office days on Monday and Wednesday. We are looking for someone to assist with sourcing and procuring construction materials from vendors at the most competitive price, ensuring product quality and consistency of supply is met. You will work closely with project managers, site managers, site engineers and quantity surveyors, ensuring all materials and services are present on site when required. The team is currently made up of three people.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Buyer in setting up strategic planning across multiple sites, ensuring material is ordered on time, foreseeing any delays, and pre‑planning.
• Ensuring day‑to‑day requirements for specific spend categories are met.
• Driving lowest costs and greatest value for the organisation, including negotiation of supplier agreements, sourcing innovation and supplier relationship management.
• Value enhancement through specific actions targeting commercial rewards, unit price reduction and spot negotiations.
• Act as the point of contact and resolution for all issues relating to preferred suppliers under management.
• Communicate and showcase category strategy, deliverables and initiatives to internal stakeholders.
• Analyse and monitor spend and business needs.
• Anticipate future business needs.
• Conduct supplier market analysis.
• Report on category performance (KPIs).
• Maintain market awareness.
• Planning.
• Supply chain management.
• Ordering / purchasing.
• Maintain systems and internal controls.

Qualifications & Skills

• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with vendors and site management.
• Organised and possessing strong administration skills.
• Excellent IT skills with the ability to produce statistical analysis for senior management.
• Minimum one year experience in a buying role for a construction company.

Benefits

• Competitive holiday allowances, starting with 25+ bank holidays and going up to 29 days + bank holidays, with a day off on your birthday also included.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Relevant professional membership fees paid and continued support with professional growth and learning.
• Generous staff referral scheme, paying up to £3,500.
• Opportunity to save up to 25% on your bike via the Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounts at 100+ retailers and gyms.
• Proactive management of the supply chain partner approval/renewal process to ensure compliance.