Buyer

VickerStock; Belfast; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading specialist sub-contractor in Northern Ireland is seeking an experienced or junior Buyer to manage their supplier base and ensure efficient sourcing of materials and services. The role involves supplier selection, purchase order management, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have experience in procurement within the construction sector and strong negotiation skills. This position offers a great opportunity to join a business with a substantial pipeline of work ahead.

Qualifications

• Experience in purchasing or procurement within construction or engineering.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Identify, select, and approve suppliers as per company policy.
• Manage purchase orders and adhere to budgetary controls.
• Act as the primary contact for suppliers and subcontractors.
• Liaise with the Operations Team regarding orders and supply disruptions.
• Analyse purchasing data for trends and cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain supplier performance metrics and KPIs.
• Attend internal meetings to ensure team alignment.
• Record purchase order values and communicate changes.

Skills

Communication and negotiation skills

Supplier relationship building

Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems

Excel proficiency

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a leading specialist sub‑contractor within the construction sector who are looking to bring on a new Buyer to their team. This is an excellent chance for an experienced or junior Buyer to join a business with a huge pipeline of work ahead. This is suitable for a Buyer from the wider construction sector or manufacturing/engineering.

The Role

As the Buyer, you will report to the Procurement Manager and take ownership of the supplier base, ensuring that materials and services are sourced efficiently, cost‑effectively, and in line with the numerous projects being worked on.

Key Responsibilities

• Proactively identify, select, and approve suppliers in accordance with company policy, ensuring alignment with quality, cost, and delivery expectations.
• Raise and manage purchase orders for goods and services, ensuring adherence to budgetary controls and operational requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all suppliers and subcontractors, fostering open communication and strong working relationships.
• Expedite outstanding orders and liaise daily with the Operations Team to flag potential shortfalls or supply disruptions that may impact production or delivery schedules.
• Analyse purchasing data to identify trends, highlight cost‑saving opportunities, and support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and maintain supplier performance metrics, including KPIs and service level agreements, ensuring a culture of accountability and improvement.
• Attend weekly internal progress meetings, collaborating cross‑functionally to ensure alignment between procurement, operations, and commercial teams.
• Ensure purchase order values and variations are accurately recorded, communicating any changes to the commercial team in a timely manner.

What You’ll Bring

• Previous experience in a purchasing or procurement role, ideally within construction and engineering.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build lasting supplier relationship.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and Excel.

Apply Today to discuss this opportunity in confidence, contact Michael Irwin, our supply chain & procurement specialist at Vickerstock. Apply today!