Assistant Buyer

Linear Recruitment Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support project teams in sourcing materials and services efficiently across the UK. The role emphasizes negotiation, supplier management, and adherence to ethical procurement practices. Candidates should have experience in procurement, especially in construction, and strong communication skills. This role offers a chance to contribute to sustainability efforts in critical infrastructure projects.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar procurement or buying role, ideally in construction or engineering.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Commercially aware with budget monitoring experience.

Responsibilities

• Purchase construction materials and related services.
• Evaluate supplier options and manage delivery logistics.
• Monitor market trends and improve supply chain strategies.
• Keep accurate records using company purchasing systems.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Detail-oriented

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

CIPS qualification (working towards or holding)

Tools

Procurement systems

Job description

The Assistant Buyer supports project teams by ensuring materials and services are sourced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in line with company standards. This role involves working closely with internal departments and external suppliers to secure the best value while maintaining ethical and sustainable procurement practices.

They contribute to key business goals, including social impact and sustainability, and play a part in delivering critical infrastructure projects across the UK.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Duties

• Purchase construction materials and related services across different operational sectors.
• Evaluate supplier options, negotiate prices, and manage delivery logistics.
• Monitor market trends and work with the procurement team to improve supply chain strategies.
• Assist with commercial aspects of procurement on assigned contracts.
• Build strong relationships with suppliers and internal teams to ensure high-quality service.
• Support teams with product knowledge and commercial awareness throughout project stages.
• Ensure procurement activities align with company processes and financial policies.

Administrative Duties

• Keep accurate records using company purchasing systems.
• Provide reports and data to support procurement and wider business needs.
• Submit procurement analysis for approval, ensuring alignment with company policies.

Performance Goals

• Demonstrate value for money through effective procurement (e.g., cost savings, quality, efficiency).
• Support supply chain performance and engagement.

Key Working Relationships

• Collaborates with procurement managers, site teams, finance, health & safety, and business development departments.
• Works with a range of external suppliers and partners.

Candidate Requirements

Essential:

• Experience in a similar procurement or buying role (ideally in construction or engineering).
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Commercially aware with budget monitoring experience.
• Confident using Microsoft Office and procurement systems.
• Able to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and pay attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and team-oriented.

Desirable:

• Working towards or holding a CIPS qualification.
• Degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience with in-house purchasing systems.
• Full UK driving licence.