Assistant Buyer

Elvet Recruitment; North East; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an Assistant Buyer to join a regional housebuilding division in the UK. This role involves supporting procurement of materials and managing supplier relationships to ensure projects are delivered on time and to budget. Candidates should possess experience in buying or procurement, have a CSCS card, and strong communication skills. The position requires visiting development sites as needed and offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Annual bonus

Car allowance

Pension scheme

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Discounts and benefits portal

Qualifications

• Experience in a buying or procurement role within the construction sector is preferred.
• Current CSCS card (or equivalent) is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Assist with procurement of materials and equipment for new-home developments.
• Perform material take-offs and prepare schedules as needed.
• Place bulk orders and process requisitions efficiently.
• Negotiate with suppliers to ensure best pricing and manage relations.
• Assist in preparing and monitoring materials budgets.

Skills

Communication and listening skills

Attention to detail

IT literacy (MS Word and Excel)

Ability to work independently and in a team

Flexibility in duties and working hours

Education

GCSE English and Mathematics grade A-C/4+ or equivalent

HNC or degree in a relevant subject

Job description

Elvet Recruitment have been appointed to recruit for an Assistant Buyer role supporting the Commercial team in a regional housebuilding division.

An Assistant Buyer supporting procurement of materials and hired plant for regional new‑home developments, managing budgets, orders and supplier relationships to deliver projects on time and to cost. Reporting to the Commercial Manager; office based with travel across the divisional area.

Responsibilities

• Procurement support — assist with purchasing directly bought materials and hired plant to meet regional forecasts.
• Take-offs and scheduling — perform material take-offs from working drawings and prepare schedules where required.
• Order management — place bulk material orders and process site-generated requisitions.
• Supplier liaison — negotiate and work with suppliers to secure best value and manage relationships.
• Budget monitoring — assist in preparing and updating materials budgets for individual developments.
• KPI reporting — help produce KPI reports such as site damage, plant use and site waste.
• Compliance — ensure adherence to the organisation's procurement procedures.
• Workload management — manage daily/weekly tasks and priorities effectively.
• Site travel – visit development sites as required to support procurement activity.

Qualifications

• Experience — previous buying or procurement role with knowledge of take-offs, schedules and budgets; construction sector experience preferred.
• Qualifications — current CSCS card (or equivalent); GCSE English and Mathematics grade A-C/4+ or equivalent.
• Education — HNC or degree in a relevant subject desirable but not essential if equivalent experience is demonstrated.
• Skills — strong communication and listening; excellent attention to detail; IT literate with proficiency in MS Word and Excel and ability to adapt to new systems.
• Behaviours — ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to meet deadlines under pressure; committed to diversity and inclusion.
• Flexibility — willing to be flexible with day‑to‑day duties and working hours.

Benefits

• Pay and reward — competitive salary; competitive annual bonus; competitive car allowance; optional salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Pension and protection — contributory pension scheme; life assurance.
• Leave and flexibility — 25 days holiday plus bank holidays; holiday purchase scheme; flexible working considered.
• Perks — access to discounts and benefits portal; ShareSave scheme; Cycle to Work scheme.
• Development — Earn and Learn opportunities and ongoing training and progression.

Please call or email Michael Dufferwiel at Elvet Recruitment to discuss in more detail