Trainee Buyer Apprentice Role

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TRAINEE BUYER JOB DESCRIPTION 

Competitive Salary Range:  £18,000 – £20,000

Location:  Bedford                                                       

ECL, a leading civil engineering and groundworks company, is looking to recruit Trainee Buyers to join its highly experienced and professional commercial team, who work with some of the UK’s leading housebuilding developers.

A construction buyer apprentice’s key responsibilities include: assisting experienced buyers in sourcing materials for construction projects, researching potential suppliers, obtaining quotes, comparing prices, verifying quality standards, managing delivery schedules, learning about construction project specifications, and gaining knowledge of procurement procedures while under the guidance of a mentor.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone interested in working within the construction industry.

The company offer a very generous holiday entitlement, a competitive bonus scheme and the opportunity to avail of its Employee Assisted Program.

Your role would be office-based (at ECL’s head office in Kempston, Bedford) but would include a significant number of on-site visits.

Key responsibilities of a Trainee Buyer Apprentice:

Supplier identification: Researching and identifying potential suppliers for various construction materials based on project requirements.

Quote gathering: Contacting suppliers to request price quotations for specific materials, ensuring all necessary details are included.

Price comparison: Analysing and comparing quotes from different suppliers to identify the most cost-effective option.

Quality control: Understanding and verifying that materials meet project specifications and quality standards.

Delivery schedule management: Coordinating delivery times with suppliers to ensure materials arrive on site as needed.

Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of purchase orders, supplier details, and pricing information.

Project plan review: Studying construction plans and drawings to identify required materials and quantities.

Negotiation support: Assisting experienced buyers in negotiating prices and terms with suppliers.

To be successful in the role, we are looking for candidates who have the following qualifications and skills:

  • Maths and English GSCE at Grade C/Grade 4 or above
  • Highly numerate with excellent attention to detail, able to gather, interpret and present data to facilitate the preparation of budgets and subsequent valuations
  • Good IT skills, proficient with MS Office and Excel programs
  • Strong communication skills with a good standard of written English.
  • The ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to work on own initiative
  • The ability to work within a team and build effective working relationships both internally and externally
  • Methodical, conscientious and organised, work to deliver high standards
  • Self–disciplined, with demonstrably good time management skills and the ability to manage a number of priorities
  • Ability to multi-task and work efficiently and accurately

Here at ECL, we have built a culture where anyone, regardless of gender, race, sexuality, disability, background or any other characteristic, can progress and be proud to work for us.

If this role interests you, please submit a cover letter and your CV and complete the form above.

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