Building Materials Buyer

Select Appointments; Saxmundham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Building Materials Buyer to join their client's team in Saxmundham. In this role, you'll manage procurement, develop supplier relationships, and provide expert advice, while enjoying a competitive salary and hybrid work options. An ideal candidate will have proven procurement experience in the construction sector and strong negotiation skills. This position offers various benefits including a pension scheme, healthcare plan, and additional perks.

Benefits

7% non-contributory pension

22 days holiday + bank holidays

Healthcare cash plan

Life insurance – 4x salary

Company sick pay

Enhanced maternity & paternity benefit

Interest-free personal loan up to £5,000

Eye test and glasses contribution

Cycle to Work Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Paid company social events

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement or buying, ideally in construction or building materials.
• Solid knowledge of construction materials, supplier networks, and market pricing.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate favorable terms and build supplier relationships.

Responsibilities

• Identify new commercial opportunities and products.
• Manage daily purchasing enquiries and provide unbiased advice.
• Accurately process and track member orders and maintain records.
• Support colleagues across departments and participate in meetings.

Skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Negotiation skills

Analytical thinking

Proactive and adaptable

Job description

Building Materials Buyer

Salary: £35,000 – £38,000 per annum (Depending on Proven Experience)

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (37.5 hours per week)

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Location: Office-based Near Saxmundham (with occasional travel as required)

On behalf of our client, we are recruiting an experienced Building Materials Buyer to join a forward-thinking business that supports members across agricultural and rural sectors.

This is more than just a buying role — it’s an opportunity to shape a specialist portfolio, build long-term supplier relationships, and directly contribute to the value offered to members. You’ll play a key role in delivering cost-effective, high-quality building materials while providing trusted, impartial advice that makes a real difference.

What You’ll Be Doing

As the Building Materials Buyer, your role will span four key areas: commercial development, member support, administration and quality, and general team collaboration.

Commercial Development

• Identify new commercial opportunities and products to expand the building materials offering.
• Grow volume, turnover, and the surplus returned to members.
• Support supplier negotiations to secure the most competitive pricing and terms.
• Develop strong, mutually beneficial relationships with both new and existing suppliers.
• Monitor product trends and innovations to keep the business and its members ahead of the curve.
• Promote collaboration with other departments to cross-sell related products and services.

Member-Support

• Manage daily purchasing enquiries from members across all building materials categories.
• Provide accurate, unbiased product advice tailored to individual member needs.
• Keep members informed about new or alternative products and market developments.
• Ensure all enquiries are handled efficiently and professionally, meeting or exceeding expectations.
• Design and deliver offers that are fit for purpose and aligned with member requirements.
• Support strategic planning for the building materials category alongside the Head of Department.
• Attend member events and site visits as needed (occasionally outside standard hours).

Administration & Quality Control

• Accurately process and track member orders from initial enquiry through to invoicing.
• Maintain comprehensive records of supplier transactions, pricing, and meetings.
• Resolve order or invoice queries promptly in line with internal procedures.
• Contribute to monthly reporting and member communications.
• Uphold quality standards and elevate any concerns to the relevant teams.

Collaboration & Contribution

• Support colleagues across departments
• Maintain a professional and proactive approach, both in the office and when representing the business externally.
• Participate in team meetings, internal discussions, and supplier visits.Identify opportunities for personal development and training.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive working environment.

What You’ll Bring

Experience

• Proven experience in procurement or buying — ideally within the construction or building materials sector.
• Solid knowledge of construction materials, supplier networks, and market pricing.
• Demonstrated ability to negotiate favourable terms and build trusted supplier relationships.

Skills & Personal Qualities

• Highly organised and detail oriented.
• Excellent communicator — confident in handling enquiries, negotiating, and influencing.
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical thinking.
• Proactive, self‑motivated, and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment.
• Collaborative team player with a hands‑on, positive approach.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain accuracy under pressure.

What’s in It for You?

• £35,000 – £38,000 salary(Depending on Proven Experience)
• Hybrid working – up to 2 days per week from home (After 6 months probationary period has been completed)
• 7% non‑contributory pension
• 22 days holiday + bank holidays (rising with service)
• Healthcare cash plan
• Life insurance – 4x salary
• Company sick pay
• Enhanced maternity & paternity benefit
• Income protection for long‑term illness
• Interest‑free personal loan (up to £5,000)
• Eye test and glasses contribution (up to £100)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Paid company social events, birthday leave & volunteer days

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re looking for a role where you can use your procurement skills to make a tangible difference — while enjoying excellent benefits and being part of a collaborative, supportive team — this could be the perfect next step.

To find out more or to put yourself forward, please contact Katie Dobson at Select Recruitment.