Buyer (construction industry)

The information contained in this career of the week is kindly provided by Hobson & Porter, a local award-winning construction & maintenance firm operating across the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region.

A buyer in the construction industry will procure all the materials required for building projects and ensure that they are delivered on time and within the required budgets. They may also be responsible for procuring subcontract trades. Their role is to procure these in the most cost-effective way to suit the requirements of the Client’s specification. 

Day to day activities may include:

• Providing prices for all materials, plant and subcontract works included in the project requirements and ensuring their compliance to the project requirements, including safety, health and environmental requirements
• Identifying potential suppliers, new products and subcontractors for the business supply chain and assessing their reliability
• Dealing effectively with the challenges encountered with the supply chain and the flow of materials and subcontract works
• Agreeing delivery times
• Keeping detailed records and maintaining well organised work schedules
• Preparing reports on the comparisons of buying outcomes to the budgets provided.  

Skills required

• An understanding of the construction industry and construction materials and trades
• High attention to detail
• Strong maths and budgeting skills
• Analytical thinking skills
• Negotiation skills
• Able to use own initiative
• Persistence and determination
• Excellent team working, communications and presentation skills
• Highly organised with excellent time management 

Career path and progression

As an Buyer you could progress to the position of Buying Manager.  

Salaries for this role are dependent on experience. Examples are as follows:

Newly trained Buyer £18,000 - £25,000

Trained with experience Buyer £25,000 to £35,000

Senior Buyer £35,000 to £55,000

Good maths and English skills will be important to become a buyer in the construction industry.

There are various routes to become an Buyer, but there is no formal qualification, these include:

• University - BSc in Quantity Surveying, Business Studies, Purchasing Logistics or Supply Chain Management 
• College - NVQ or HND Supply Chain Management or Construction Management
• Apprenticeship - Commercial Procurement and Supply
• Direct Employment with training 

To research local education and training opportunities that could lead to a career as a buyer, visit our partner website >log on | move on>.

Details of relevant degree courses can be found on the UCAS website.

Find out more about opportunities with Hobson & Porter

Go Construct - Buyer