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Assistant Construction Buyer

* Civils Contractor

* Middlesbrough

* Salary - £28,500 - £32,000 pa + benefits

Lemon Drizzle Recruitment has been appointed to recruit an Assistant Construction Buyer for a Civils Contractor based in Middlesbrough. This role is crucial to support their growing procurement team by managing the supply chain and negotiating best prices for materials and subcontractor services.

This contractor has built an excellent reputation and has grown significantly over the past decade. They specialise in civil engineering, earthworks, groundworks, multi utilities, road surfacing and building services.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a business that's expanding rapidly and making a big impact in the construction industry.

You’ll be part of a team of 4 Buyers reporting into the Procurement Manager, office-based in Middlesbrough working 7.30am – 5pm.

The vibe in the office is relaxed yet professional and you will be working alongside Buyers, Quantity Surveyors, Estimators and other construction professionals.

If you have a background in procurement and are passionate about construction, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

What you’ll be responsible for

You’ll support the delivery of material purchasing and supplier coordination across multiple live projects, helping manage cost, availability, and supply chain performance. You’ll also be involved in negotiating rates, raising and tracking orders, and improving procurement systems and processes.

Regular travel to project sites, supplier locations, and group offices across the UK will be required.

Key Responsibilities:

Material & Service Procurement: Assist in sourcing and purchasing materials and subcontractor services for construction projects, including earthworks, groundworks, civil engineering, geotechnical services, and waste management.

Supplier & Subcontractor Support: Help build and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-efficiency.

Cost Control & Budgeting: Support negotiations to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and project timelines.

Project Assistance: Work alongside experienced buyers to help forecast material needs and prevent delays.

Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure procurement activities meet company policies, health & safety regulations, and environmental standards.

Material Specification Review: Support the review of material specifications to identify cost-effective solutions.

Systems & Process Development

Procurement Systems: Learn to use their procurement system to raise purchase orders, track procurement activities, and improve purchasing processes.

Process Improvement: Assist in developing more efficient procurement procedures across the business.

Invoice Queries: Handle invoice discrepancies with suppliers and accounts teams.

Market Research: Keep up to date with price changes, new materials, and supplier innovations.

What’s in it for you?

This is a growing business, and they are doing big and exciting things. They are looking for likeminded people who want to grow with them and be part of their journey and in return they offer a collaborative working environment, training and will support you with your career development.

* Salary from £28,500 - £32,000 (depending on experience).

* 24 days annual leave plus bank holidays

* Health Shield Care Plan

* 5% employer pension contributions

* Support towards professional qualifications (e.g., CIPS).

* Opportunities for progression within a growing procurement team.

* Exposure to a wide range of civil engineering and construction projects across the group.

* Standard working hours: 07:30–17:00, Monday to Friday.

Who is this role ideal for?

This role is ideal for someone looking to start or develop a career in construction procurement.

* Interest in Construction Procurement: A strong interest in procurement and supply chain management within the construction industry.

* Strong Communication Skills: Ability to work effectively with suppliers, site teams, and colleagues.

* Organisation & Attention to Detail: Ability to manage tasks efficiently and accurately.

* IT Proficiency: Basic skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).

* Negotiation & Problem-Solving: A willingness to develop negotiation skills and resolve procurement challenges.

* Willingness to Travel: Regular visits to suppliers and project sites across the UK.

* Full UK Driving Licence

* Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a construction buying or procurement role (contractor or supplier side)

* A qualification in procurement, supply chain, business or construction is desirable

* CIPS qualification (or working towards) is an advantage but not essential.

How do you find out more and apply?

To find out more please contact Rachel Scott at Lemon Drizzle Recruitment. I highly value discretion and all conversations are 100% confidential or to apply click on the link and I’ll be in touch