Assistant Buyer

First Military Recruitment; Walsall; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency is seeking an Assistant Buyer in Walsall to manage procurement of construction materials and services. The successful candidate will need relevant industry experience, strong negotiation and communication skills, and a keen focus on supplier relationships. This position offers competitive salary and benefits including a company pension, life assurance, and development opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company pension

Life assurance

Private medical

Profit share scheme

25 days of annual leave

Volunteering leave

Employee assistance programme

Flexible benefits

Company vehicle allowance

Leadership training

Career progression support

Continuous service awards

Qualifications

• Relevant experience ideally in rail or construction/engineering industry.
• Ability to establish long-term supplier relationships.
• Competence in controlling and monitoring budgets.

Responsibilities

• Procuring construction materials and related services.
• Carrying out supplier selection and negotiating prices.
• Identifying market trends and product developments.

Skills

Relevant experience in a similar role

Experienced negotiator

Demonstrable commercial awareness

Excellent communication skills

Computer literacy with Microsoft Office

Ability to cope in a fast-paced environment

Decision-making using initiative

Education

CIPS qualification or working towards

Relevant degree or equivalent/QBE

Tools

In-house purchasing systems

Job description

Overview

First Military Recruitment are currently seeking an Assistant Buyer on behalf of one of our clients.

You will be responsible for providing a material supply service whilst working with and supporting other business needs.

You will be communicating with internal business units, external suppliers, trade bodies and associations to achieve the best value on goods and services whilst being mindful of where materials are coming from within the supply chain, and ensuring the company continues to source ethically and sustainably.

Our client encourages applications from ex-military personnel however all candidates will be given due consideration.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Procuring construction materials and related services across all operational sectors.
• Carrying out supplier selection, evaluating quotations and negotiating prices and logistics.
• Proactively identifying market trends, product and industry developments and supply chain innovations through the engagement of external partners.
• Providing commercial assistance on the contracts you are procuring for.
• Working with and supporting internal business needs regarding commercial and product awareness at all stages of the construction process.
• Ensuring continuous communication with other team members to review contract progress and address associated issues immediately.
• Maintaining full knowledge and understanding of purchasing strategy and processes to ensure a professional and auditable procurement contract is in place.
• Operating within financial governance levels.
• Managing work priorities and maximising efficiencies.
• Maintaining positive supplier relationships.
• Adherence to procurement procedures.
• Maintenance and upkeep of order and supply chain records utilising the company’s purchase order system and procedures.
• Providing reports, data and other material identified by the Procurement Manager relating to the department and whole business requirements, including KPIs.
• Submitting detailed analysis to procurement and project teams for approval in line with governance.
• To provide evidence of best value regarding procurement, which may include commercial betterment, quality and efficiency.
• To evidence supply chain engagement, including performance management under company objectives.

Skills and Qualifications

• Relevant experience in a similar role, ideally within the rail or construction / engineering industry.
• Experienced negotiator, with the ability to establish long‑term relationships and an engaged, collaborative supply chain.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness, with the ability to control and monitor budgets.
• Finely tuned communication skills regarding engaging with external and internal parties, including a confident and professional telephone manner.
• Excellent computer literacy with experience using Microsoft Office packages.
• In‑house purchasing systems.
• Ability to cope with a demanding, fast‑paced environment, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Ability to make decisions using own initiative and work as part of a team.

Desirable

• CIPS qualification or working towards CIPS.
• Relevant degree or equivalent / or qualified by experience (QBE).
• A full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Company pension.
• Life assurance.
• Private medical.
• Profit share scheme.
• 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days.
• 8 hours leave of absence for volunteering.
• Employee assistance programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing.
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice.
• Company vehicle allowance depending on position.
• Leadership & management training and coaching.
• Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression.
• Development supported by internal and externally delivered training.
• Continuous service awards.