Certain Advantage
Buyer (Construction)
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Buyer (Construction / Civil Engineering)
Chesterfield (Office-based)
£38,000 - £42,000 (Negotiable DOE) + Opportunity to step into management + Training & Development + Potential for Progression + Life Assurance + Pension + Holiday Buy & Sell Scheme + Other Company Benefits
Certain Advantage is hiring for a Buyer based commutable distance to Chesterfield. This role is a permanent, full-time position, based onsite 5 days a week.
Are you a Buyer, from the construction, merchant, or hire sector, looking to step into a newly created role, where you will have the opportunity to centralise and shape a brand-new buying function, managing two existing staff members? (no formal management experience required)
Are you an experienced buyer, looking to step into a varied, fast-paced role, balancing high-level supplier negotiations with hands-on, day-to-day purchasing execution, with a high degree of autonomy and versatility?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful and growing business, with the opportunity to step into a management role, supporting both their Geotechnical and Structures departments. You will lead a small team and drive commercial value across the business.
The Company:
We are working with a leading specialist engineering contractor, which forms part of a major engineering group, delivering innovative solutions on technically challenging projects nationwide, across civil engineering and construction.
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The Role:
You will centralise the buying function and manage two direct reports. Your workload will adapt to project pipelines; focusing on rapid execution and logistics during high-volume periods and shifting to strategic stock management and bulk rebate negotiations during slower windows.
Day to day you will:
- Manage the end-to-end purchasing process for materials, plant hire, and services across both businesses
- Negotiate pricing, agreements, and bulk terms with merchants and global suppliers
- Raise, process, and track purchase
- Line manage and develop two purchasing/administrative assistants based in London and Chesterfield
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors, monitoring performance and identifying opportunities for consolidation or improved terms
- Collaborate with internal stores, warehouse, and workshop managers to optimise stock control and tracking
- Drive data consolidation and process improvements across internal spreadsheets and systems
- Ensure cost-effective delivery decisions, recognising when speed and site continuity outweigh standard premiums
- Support continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems
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The Individual:
We are looking for people who can show:
- Proven experience in a purchasing or buying role within construction, civil engineering, builders' merchants, or the plant hire sector
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of effective supplier negotiation
- Strong spreadsheet and IT skills
The Benefits:
- Life assurance and pension scheme
- Private healthcare cash plan and virtual GP access
- Mental health and wellbeing support
- Enhanced maternity benefits
- Holiday purchase scheme
- Cycle to work scheme and retail discounts
- Ongoing professional development and training
Does this sound like your next move?
Apply today.
Working with Certain Advantage
We go the extra mile to find the best people for the job. If you’re looking for a role where you can make an impact and grow your career, we’ll work with you to find it.
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