Assistant Buyer - Basingstoke

R W Armstrong; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

R W Armstrong, a family business with over 65 years of experience in construction, seeks an Assistant Buyer in Basingstoke. The role involves managing procurement for various projects, requiring strong negotiation skills and attention to detail. This position offers opportunities for career growth within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a large volume of orders.
• Knowledge of construction materials is desirable.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Assist in procuring standard and bespoke goods.
• Communicate with supply chain partners and negotiate.
• Raise Purchase Orders and deal with invoice queries.

Skills

Attention to detail

Negotiation

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Tools

EVO M

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

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Client:

R W Armstrong

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Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

63298a5f3298

Job Views:

10

Posted:

15.06.2025

Expiry Date:

30.07.2025

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Job Description:

Assistant Buyer - Basingstoke

This role requires having a Right to Work in the UK, RW Armstrong are unable to provide UK Visa Sponsorship.

RW Armstrong is a family business with over 65 years’ experience working on some of the finest properties in the South of England. Our well-connected head office is easily accessible from Basingstoke, situated in the charming village of Sherborne St John, only a stone’s throw from the town centre and plentiful nearby amenities. Our modern offices are home to our busy Group Business Support team. Here, you will form part of a close-knit and experienced team supporting our five offices and sites across all divisions in the business. With our company expanding, there is plenty of scope for career growth.

JOB PURPOSE

To deliver a comprehensive buying function to the R W Armstrong Group supporting the operational teams in the efficient delivery of a wide range of bespoke construction projects. Procuring quality products in a cost efficient and timely manner is a priority for this role.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To work according to the buying processes, policies and frameworks set by the Group Buying Manager.
• To assist in the procurement of standard and bespoke goods and materials, at best value.
• To assist in the procurement of hired in plant and equipment, at best value.
• To assist in the procurement of skip and waste management services, at best value.
• To coordinate and manage RWA owned plant, including repairs and purchases.
• To effectively deploy plant and administer the re-use of second-hand materials.
• To communicate with and manage our existing supply chain partners - negotiating rebates and setting up credit accounts where possible.
• To identify and communicate opportunities for new supply chain partners to the Group Buying Manager.
• To provide cover for any person within the team in the instance of absence or holiday.
• To assist in reconciling Visa/Mastercard receipts for purchases. Assessing the spend with these companies and setting up credit accounts where possible.
• To assist in the stock control and purchasing process of company wide clothing and Personal Protective Clothing (PPE).
• To assist in producing and evaluating buying statistics.
• To work off a material schedule when required.
• To act as a first point of contact for department queries both internally and externally.
• To raise Purchase Orders in Evo M, deal with invoice queries and chase orders where required.

KNOWLEDGE, BEHAVIOURS & SKILLS

EXPERIENCE

• To have previous knowledge of the buying process and experience of negotiation.
• To have previous experience managing a large volume of orders and a diverse range of products to support an average of 45 live sites.
• To have previous knowledge of construction materials and plant equipment is desirable.
• To have previous experience of using EVO M or a similar buying/accounts system.

SKILLS

• To have a strong attention to detail and be accurate.
• To have good organisational skills, be able to prioritise, make decisions and work effectively within a fast paced environment.
• To demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team as well as on their own initiative and with minimal supervision.
• To be IT literate including Microsoft Word, Outlook and Internet Explorer and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
• To have good numeracy and literacy skills.
• To be highly motivated with a proactive approach to individual learning and development.
• To be able to communicate with key stakeholders and liaise effectively with other internal departments.
• To be able to resolve complex issues effectively.
• To be able to negotiate.

WORKING HOURS

• Working 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 to 16:00 on Fridays, with a 1-hour unpaid break each day