Assistant Buyer

Kenton Black; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenton Black in Birmingham is seeking an Assistant Buyer/Graduate Buyer to join the growing EMEA Procurement Team. You will support procurement from initiation to contract award, liaising with client teams on major projects in the Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology sectors.

The role offers hands-on exposure to capital equipment, services, and supplier management within a global construction business, with opportunities for career progression and a competitive package DOE.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years' experience in a project procurement / buying role within construction
• MCIPS qualified or currently working towards MCIPS would be highly desirable
• An Honours Degree in a relevant subject
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A proactive, organised and collaborative approach
• The ambition to build a long-term career within procurement

Responsibilities

• Support procurement activities from project initiation through to contract award and delivery
• Act as a company representative and key interface with client procurement teams on assigned projects
• Support the development and implementation of Project Procurement Execution Plans
• Research, identify and qualify new contractors and suppliers
• Evaluate and monitor existing suppliers
• Manage and develop supplier relationships
• Review and commercially evaluate supplier and subcontractor proposals
• Support tendering, negotiation and contract award processes
• Maintain procurement records and ensure project requirements are met
• Work closely with project, commercial and engineering teams to ensure procurement strategies align with project objectives

Skills

Commercial awareness

Attention to detail

Communication

Stakeholder management

Proactive

Organised

Collaborative

Education

Honours Degree in a relevant subject

Job description

Assistant Buyer
Birmingham | £35,000–£45,000 + Package DOE

Join a global construction business operating at the forefront of the Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology sectors.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Buyer / Graduate Buyer to join the growing EMEA Procurement Team, working closely with the Head of Procurement / UK & EMEA Procurement Lead.

Ideally based within a commutable distance of the Birmingham head office, this is an excellent opportunity for an early-career procurement professional to build their experience with a highly respected international business operating in a fast-growing and technically demanding sector.

The Opportunity

• Capital equipment – process, mechanical, electrical, automation, instrumentation etc.
• Construction trade packages
• Professional services
• Supplier and subcontractor procurement
• Commercial evaluation and negotiations

You'll work as part of a collaborative, experienced procurement team, gaining exposure to complex projects and developing the skills needed to progress your procurement career.

Key Responsibilities

• Support procurement activities from project initiation through to contract award and delivery
• Act as a company representative and key interface with client procurement teams on assigned projects
• Support the development and implementation of Project Procurement Execution Plans
• Research, identify and qualify new contractors and suppliers
• Evaluate and monitor existing suppliers
• Manage and develop supplier relationships
• Review and commercially evaluate supplier and subcontractor proposals
• Support tendering, negotiation and contract award processes
• Maintain procurement records and ensure project requirements are met
• Work closely with project, commercial and engineering teams to ensure procurement strategies align with project objectives

About You

• 1–3 years' experience in a project procurement / buying role within construction
• An Honours Degree in a relevant subject
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• A proactive, organised and collaborative approach
• The ambition to build a long-term career within procurement

MCIPS qualified or currently working towards MCIPS would be highly desirable.

What’s on Offer?

• £35,000–£45,000 basic salary + package, depending on experience
• Opportunity to join a global construction business
• Exposure to major Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology projects
• Excellent opportunity for career progression
• Work alongside an experienced EMEA procurement team
• International project exposure
• Full 360° procurement lifecycle experience

This is a particularly strong opportunity for an Assistant Buyer or Graduate Buyer looking to take the next step in their career and gain genuine exposure to complex, high-value projects within one of construction's most buoyant sectors.