Buyer

Coffey; Burntwood; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A civil engineering specialist in the UK is looking for an Assistant Buyer to provide administrative and operational support to the Procurement Department. The role involves working closely with the Senior Buyer to ensure efficient purchasing processes and timely delivery of materials. Candidates should have 1–3 years of experience in procurement, strong organisation skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. This position is essential for maintaining smooth procurement operations.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related administrative role.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• High standards of integrity and professionalism in all procurement activities.

Responsibilities

• Support Senior Buyer with procurement activities.
• Liaise with management to identify material requirements.
• Process and progress Purchase Orders and resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain procurement files and ensure they are audit-ready.

Skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Attention to detail

Education

Qualification or certification in Procurement or Supply Chain

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

Job description

About The Role

Role Summary

To provide administrative and operational support to the Procurement Department in sourcing materials and services for the business. The Assistant Buyer will work closely with the Senior Buyer and all other departments to ensure efficient purchasing processes, accurate record-keeping, and timely delivery of materials and supplies.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Buyer and team with day-to-day procurement activities.
• Liaising with site management to identify upcoming and outstanding material requirements.
• Prepare and issue quotation enquiries to suppliers to assist in pricing and sourcing materials.
• Process and progress Purchase Orders and liaise with the relevant department concerning any discrepancies.
• Obtain material pricing for the Tendering department as required.
• Help maintain and update price lists, supplier information, and purchasing records.
• Assist with maintaining and updating Sub-Contract Orders and Vendor/Sub-Contractor Cards.
• Support the development and maintenance of positive relationships with vendors and suppliers.
• Follow up on all material and plant purchases, including delivery discrepancies or delays, and coordinate resolutions between suppliers and site teams.
• Maintain procurement files and purchase agreements to ensure they are organized and audit-ready.
• Reconciling all price and quantity discrepancies on material and plant invoices by verifying documentation against purchase orders.
• Monitor and maintain stock levels for office and stationary supplies at Head Office.
• Ensure all work is completed within agreed timelines and deadlines.
• Attend weekly teams Procurement / Plant meetings with each site.
• Monitor supplier OTIF and report findings to the Senior Buyer.

About You

Essential Criteria

• 1–3 years of experience in purchasing, procurement, or a related administrative role.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High standards of integrity and professionalism in all procurement activities.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in the construction industry is an advantage but not essential.
• Qualification or certification in Procurement or Supply Chain (desirable).

About Us

Coffey is a water infrastructure and civil engineering specialist operating in every major construction sector throughout Ireland and the UK. Passionate about quality and efficiency, this passion drives our belief in delivering projects with the best workforce. The hallmarks of our work are innovative solutions, engineering ingenuity, professional construction management and the highest level of safety and quality. We pride ourselves in nurturing an environment that empowers critical thinking, creative problem-solving, customer focus, efficiency and flexibility.

Coffey values are at the heart of everything we do – Do the right thing, Do it better, Do it together.