Assistant Buyer/Purchasing Assistant

Confidential; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential in York is seeking an Assistant Buyer to support the procurement team on construction projects. The role involves assisting with procurement of materials, plant, subcontractors and services, issuing enquiries and purchase orders, and helping the team to keep projects on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate will have some purchasing experience in construction, good IT skills (Excel), and strong communication and negotiation abilities.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction procurement or buying is required.
• Knowledge of construction materials and supply chains is essential.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills are necessary.
• Good commercial awareness and attention to detail are important.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills are essential.
• Proficient IT skills, especially Microsoft Excel, are desired.
• Ability to manage multiple enquiries and deadlines is required.
• Proactive and eager to develop within the role.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the procurement of materials, plant, subcontractors and specialist services.
• Obtain and compare quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Prepare and issue enquiries and purchase orders.
• Assist with negotiating competitive prices and commercial terms.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and supplier information.
• Monitor orders and ensure timely delivery aligned with project requirements.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Assist with reviewing supplier and subcontractor performance.
• Support the Buyer and Quantity Surveying team with procurement activities.
• Monitor market prices and identify potential cost savings.
• Assist with managing procurement schedules and ensuring deadlines are met.
• Liaise with site teams, Quantity Surveyors, Estimators and Project Managers.
• Ensure procurement is carried out in line with company procedures and project requirements.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Organization

Time management

Attention to detail

IT skills

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Assistant Buyer - Construction

Location: York
Salary: 28,000- 33,000 + package
Job Type: Permanent

We are currently recruiting for an Assistant Buyer to join an established construction business and support the procurement team across a range of construction projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Assistant Buyer, Junior Buyer, Procurement Assistant or construction professional with some purchasing experience who is looking to develop their career within a busy commercial and procurement environment.

The Role

Working closely with the Buyer and wider commercial team, you will assist with the procurement of materials, subcontract packages and services, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Key Responsibilities

• - Assist with the procurement of materials, plant, subcontractors and specialist services.
• - Obtain and compare quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• - Prepare and issue enquiries and purchase orders.
• - Assist with negotiating competitive prices and commercial terms.
• - Maintain accurate procurement records and supplier information.
• - Monitor orders and ensure materials and services are delivered in line with project requirements.
• - Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• - Assist with reviewing supplier and subcontractor performance.
• - Support the Buyer and Quantity Surveying team with procurement activities.
• - Monitor market prices and identify potential cost savings.
• - Assist with managing procurement schedules and ensuring deadlines are achieved.
• - Liaise with site teams, Quantity Surveyors, Estimators and Project Managers.
• - Ensure procurement is carried out in accordance with company procedures and project requirements.

About You

• - Previous experience within construction procurement, buying or purchasing.
• - Knowledge of construction materials, subcontract packages and supply chains.
• - Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• - Good commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• - Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• - Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• - The ability to manage multiple enquiries and deadlines.
• - A proactive approach and willingness to develop within the role.

Candidates with experience as a Trainee Buyer, Junior Buyer, Procurement Assistant, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Estimator or Commercial Assistant who are looking to move into construction procurement will also be considered.

Career Development

This role offers the opportunity to develop your procurement and commercial knowledge while working alongside experienced construction professionals, with clear potential to progress towards Buyer and Senior Buyer positions.