Assistant Buyer

P+S Recruitment are pleased to be working on behalf of our clients, who are currently seeking an Assistant Buyer to join their team based in Bury St. Edmunds on a full-time, permanent basis.

Main Responsibilities:

• Sourcing materials, products and services from approved suppliers.
• Obtain and compare supplier quotations.
• Raise and process purchase orders.
• Monitor purchase orders through to delivery.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding lead times, deliveries and product availability.
• Liaison with Stores/Logistics team internally.
• Resolve invoice and delivery discrepancies.
• Maintain supplier databases and procurement records.
• Support price negotiations and cost-saving initiatives.
• Monitor stock levels and reorder materials where required.
• Assist with supplier performance reviews.
• Work closely with Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Site Managers to ensure procurement meets programme requirements.
• Produce procurement reports and purchasing data.
• Ensure purchasing complies with company procedures and contractual requirements.
• Keep up to date with market trends, pricing and new suppliers.
• Working against a procurement schedule, CSA, Specs & Drawings to procure compliant materials.
• Working with Quantity Surveyors on procurement schedules.
• Tracking long-lead items against the construction programme.
• Maintaining procurement and material delivery trackers.
• Coordinating technical submissions and supplier documentation.
• Assisting with value engineering and supplier quotations.
• Ensuring materials comply with project specifications.
• Supporting project teams with procurement planning and logistics.

Person Specification:

• Previous administration or purchasing experience.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good negotiation skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Ability to prioritise workload and work under pressure.
• Strong numerical and analytical ability.
• Working at a fast pace.
• Knowledge of procurement software or ERP systems (desirable)
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Able to build strong supplier relationships

Working Hours:

• 37.5-40 Hours per week.
• Monday – Friday.
• Up to 1.5 working from home days per week.