Buyer

Ascencis; Devon and Torbay; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading roofing and cladding contractor is seeking a Buyer - Roofing & Cladding to join their Exeter team. The role involves managing project buying processes and supplier relationships to ensure timely procurement of materials and services. The ideal candidate will possess proven procurement experience within construction, a strong supply chain mindset, and the ability to negotiate effectively. This position offers the chance to contribute to a reputable firm committed to high standards and collaborative work.

Benefits

Annual leave of 24 days + bank holidays

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven buyer/procurement experience in live construction projects.
• Commercially sharp with supplier terms and project exposure.
• Comfortable managing long-lead items.
• Organised and calm under pressure.
• Clear communicator with internal teams and suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Support and develop ownership of project buying from instruction to delivery.
• Build and manage procurement plans for projects.
• Work closely with Contracts to mitigate procurement risks.
• Align buying with Estimating and Design.
• Manage supplier relationships and maintain credible alternatives.

Skills

Procurement experience in construction projects

Strong supply chain mindset

Commercial understanding of margin and cashflow

Confident with specs and drawings

Negotiation skills

Tools

Microsoft 365

Job description

Job Title: Buyer - Roofing & Cladding

Reports to: Managing Director

Job Ref: ASC-003

Location: Silverton, Exeter

Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am 5pm (4pm finish on Fri)

Annual Leave: 24 days + BHs

Introduction

Ascencis is a leading commercial roofing and cladding contractor serving the Southwest, Central England, and South Wales. With over 45 years of expertise in the building envelope sector, we specialise in delivering complete roofing, cladding, and rainscreen solutions from concept to completion.

Job Overview

We’re looking for a Buyer & Supply Chain Lead to join our team. This role sits at the core of our project delivery, responsible for ensuring materials, products and services are ordered accurately, competitively and on time, protecting both programme and margin.

Based in our Exeter office, you’ll work closely with Estimating, Contracts, Design and Accounts, taking ownership once work is instructed and seeing the buying process through from PO to delivery and resolution. You’ll also lead supplier relationships and performance, strengthening our supply chain options, improving commercial outcomes year on year, and helping raise standards as the business continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and develop into full ownership of project buying, from instruction through to delivery. Including POs, acknowledgements, chasing, deliveries, issue resolution and close‑out.
• Build and manage procurement plans – long‑lead items, manufacturing slots, sequencing and ordering timelines.
• Work closely with Contracts to flag procurement risks early and avoid delays or labour downtime.
• Align buying with Estimating and Design to ensure orders match what was priced, specified and instructed.
• Manage and develop supplier relationships. Benchmark pricing, negotiate terms and maintain credible alternatives.
• Coordinate consumables, fixings, plant hire and site equipment to keep projects properly resourced.
• Understand & maintain commercial control around supplier terms, credit limits, exposure and cashflow.
• Resolve shortages, damages, returns and credits quickly and cleanly.
• Keep clear, auditable records across quotes, POs, delivery notes and supplier comms.
• Contribute to improving procurement systems and processes as the business grows.

Key Requirements

• Proven buyer / procurement experience in live construction projects. Roofing and cladding experience is a strong bonus.
• Commercially sharp. Understands margin, cashflow, supplier terms and project exposure.
• Programme‑driven. Comfortable managing long‑lead items and working to live construction programmes.
• Confident working from specs, drawings and schedules. Orders right first time.
• Strong supply chain mindset. Can negotiate, challenge pricing and avoid reliance on usual suppliers.
• Organised, calm under pressure, and solutions‑led when things don’t go to plan.
• Comfortable with Microsoft 365 and open to improving systems and processes.
• Clear communicator who works well with site teams, suppliers and internal departments.

As a leading roofing and cladding contractor, Ascencis takes pride in upholding its core values of excellence, professionalism, and integrity. We seek to hire individuals who are dedicated to delivering high‑quality work, maintaining strong collaborative relationships, and contributing positively to our team.

Ascencis is an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate against any job applicant on the grounds of (including, but not limited to) race or colour, nationality, national or ethnic origin, gender, marital status, religion, age, sexual orientation, or disability.

A full job description can be provided on request after application.