Junior Buyer - Civils/Construction

Vickerstock; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Vickerstock, in partnership with a construction and civil engineering contractor, is hiring a junior Buyer to join the procurement team. This role focuses on sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, plant, equipment and services to support major infrastructure projects.

You will work with project managers and site teams to ensure on-time deliveries, manage supplier relationships, analyse quotations, and help maintain a reliable supply chain while reducing waste and cost.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of construction materials and supplier practices.
• Experience negotiating commercial terms with suppliers.
• Strong organisational skills to manage multiple deadlines.
• Excellent communication across all levels of the business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and ERP systems.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure construction materials and services to meet project needs.
• Analyse quotations and supplier proposals to select cost-effective options.
• Raise and manage purchase orders in line with project requirements.
• Maintain relationships with approved suppliers and subcontractors.
• Monitor supplier performance and mitigate procurement risks.
• Collaborate with Project Managers and site teams to align schedules.
• Ensure on-time delivery and compliance with project budgets.
• Maintain procurement records and support audits.

Job description

Vickerstock are working in partnership with a construction and civil engineering contractor to recruit a junior Buyer to join their growing procurement team. This is an great chance for an experienced procurement professional to play a key role in the successful delivery of major infrastructure and construction projects.

As the Buyer

The new Buyer candidate will be responsible for sourcing, negotiating, and purchasing materials, plant, equipment, and services while ensuring projects are supported through efficient, cost-effective procurement strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Source and procure construction materials including concrete, steel, aggregates, pipes, and related products.
• Obtain, analyse, and compare quotations, tenders, and supplier proposals.
• Raise and manage purchase orders in line with project requirements and procurement procedures.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with approved suppliers and subcontractors.
• Monitor supplier performance in relation to quality, cost, and delivery and identify and onboard alternative suppliers to mitigate risk and improve competitiveness.
• Support the ongoing development of a reliable and high-performing supply chain.
• Negotiate pricing, delivery schedules, payment terms, and contractual arrangements.
• Ensure procurement activities align with project budgets and commercial objectives.
• Liaise with Project Managers, Engineers, and Site Teams to understand project requirements and procurement schedules.
• Ensure materials and services are delivered on time to support project milestones.
• Proactively resolve supply chain issues and minimise disruption to site operations.
• Provide regular procurement updates to internal stakeholders.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with company procedures, contractual obligations, and industry standards.
• Maintain accurate procurement records, supplier information, and purchasing documentation.
• Assist with reporting requirements, audits, and procurement performance reviews.
• Monitor stock levels and support effective inventory management.
• Minimise waste, over-ordering, and unnecessary expenditure.

What You'll Need

• Knowledge of construction materials, suppliers, and industry procurement practices.
• Experience negotiating commercial terms and managing supplier relationships.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships across all levels of the business.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and experience using ERP or procurement systems.

Desirable Experience

• Experience supporting infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, utilities, or major civil engineering works.