Construction Buyer

Description

Construction buyers are the regulators for the materials required for a construction project, in which they purchase the products in accordance with the established budgets.

Buyers are crucial in ensuring that the construction contract maintains profitability, and that the most cost effective materials are used to lower outlays. This is particularly key due to fluctuations in the cost of raw materials required.

A construction buyer will seek quotes on prices and availability of materials from a variety of suppliers, and manage and report on the accumulative cost of all new purchases.

Also required of a buyer is to ensure that all materials comply with health and safety guidelines, and that the project estimator is fully briefed on the cost of materials.

Typical work activities include:

• Providing prices for all materials included in project plans and drawings;
• Identifying potential suppliers and new products;
• Contacting a range of suppliers and sub‐contractors to obtain quotations and
  agree delivery times;
• Keeping detailed records and maintaining a well‐organised work schedule;
• Assessing the reliability of sub‐contractors and suppliers;
• Dealing effectively with challenges with suppliers and the flow of materials;
• Ensuring compliance with the safety, health and environment requirements
  of materials and services;
• Providing advice to the project estimator on the predicted cost of individual
  items;
• Liaising closely with the estimator at the tendering stage to ensure that an
  accurate project cost is provided;
• Preparing and maintaining cost reports in order to maximise efficiency within
  the business;
• Negotiating and agreeing the most favourable terms possible with suppliers
  once a contract has been secured.

Typical Rate

Salaries for a senior buyer in the construction industry vary greatly, depending on their experience and the location of the job. ¹An average annual salary would be £42,500 but could be as low as £37,500 or as high as £52,500.

¹Source: Total Jobs

Hours of Work

Buyers usually work office hours Monday to Friday, with the occasional late evening or weekend work.

Required Qualifications

There are no specific academic entry requirements to train as a buyer, although you must have good communication and organisational skills. It is helpful to be trained in an aspect of construction or building, to ensure you understand methods and processes, and how the whole job fits together.

Apprenticeships are the usual route in and enable you to earn while you learn. Employers are also normally happy to offer work experience to young people hoping to get into the trade. You will usually begin your training as an assistant technician, and then progress onto more supervisory roles.

Training
Training schemes vary according to employers and are largely on‐the‐job, with part‐time study on a day release or correspondence course basis. NVQ’s in Supply Chain Management are available at levels 2‐5.

Professional qualifications for people working in purchasing are obtained through the examinations of The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS). These can be studied in several ways, including part‐time or by flexible learning at local colleges or by distance learning.

CIPS offers a ladder of qualifications in purchasing and supply from level 2 to level 7, including the level 3 Certificate and the level 6 Graduate Diploma.

FAQs

• Do I need a CSCS card?

  Yes, you will need a valid CSCS card to work on site. Your education is likely to mean you are eligible for the Academically Qualified Person card.

• Do I need work experience?

  Industry-related work experience always boosts your CV. Most formal placements and internships in the construction industry are aimed at second and/or penultimate years at university – but you might be able to get some work shadowing or more informal work experience with smaller, local employers. You might have to apply speculatively to companies.