Buyer – Materials & Plant Hire

The company Our client is a well-established and highly regarded groundworks and civil engineering contractor based in Birmingham. They deliver substructure, groundworks, civils and highways (S278) works for major contractors and developers across the commercial, residential, retail, industrial, education, health and leisure sectors. They have a large directly employed workforce, a strong record of repeat business and a reputation built on integrity and reliability.

The role

Our client is looking for a Buyer to join their procurement team. You’ll be responsible for sourcing and buying materials for a busy portfolio of live projects and managing some plant hire requirements. You’ll work closely with site and commercial teams to make sure the right materials and plant arrive on site on time and at the right price.

What you’ll be doing

• Procuring groundworks and civils materials: aggregates, concrete, drainage, ducting, kerbs, reinforcement and similar

• Arranging and managing plant hire, including on/off hires and hire records

• Obtaining and comparing quotations and negotiating price, terms and lead times

• Raising purchase orders and keeping procurement records accurate and up to date

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and hire companies

• Liaising with site managers and quantity surveyors on requirements, deliveries and programme

• Resolving delivery issues, discrepancies and invoice queries

• Tracking spend and helping identify savings across the supply chain

What we’re looking for

• Buying or procurement experience within construction, ideally groundworks, civils or a main contractor

• Good knowledge of construction materials and suppliers

• Experience of managing plant hire is an advantage

• Strong negotiation skills and commercial awareness

• Organised, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines

• Good communicator, confident dealing with site teams and suppliers

• Competent with Excel and purchasing/ERP systems

• Full UK driving licence

What’s on offer

• £35,000 – £50,000 depending on experience

• Package

• A stable, growing contractor with a strong pipeline of work

• A supportive team and long-term career development