Materials Buyer

Job title: Buyer

Location: St Albans

About us

We are Churchill Retirement PLC, the fastest growing company in the UK retirement house building sector and we’re looking for people like you. We’re a family-run, privately-owned business and we’re going places. We’re proud of what we do, and the people we work with.

We have exciting and ambitious growth plans for the future. Our developments are in prime locations and can be found in 23 counties throughout the UK. With sector-leading operating margins, we are investing for future and long-term growth with an award winning specialist product.

We pride ourselves on building beautiful, quality, purpose-built one and two bedroom apartments in desirable locations across the UK for those looking for an independent lifestyle in later life. Developments are designed to take away all the hassle and fears that can be experienced by older people and provide security, peace of mind and independence.

We’ve won a host of awards; in 2019 we were recognised by The Sunday Times as the 2nd Best Company to Work For and we have retained a ‘5 star’ status in the HBF Customer Satisfaction Survey having been recommended by over 90% of our customers. In 2016, we became the first ever retirement living specialist to have been named overall ‘Housebuilder of the Year’ by the WhatHouse? Awards and in 2019 were awarded ‘Best Medium Housebuilder’.

About the role

We’re looking for an experienced Buyer to work alongside our Commercial team in St Albans to oversee our developments in our Eastern region.

You will be responsible for the cost effective and timely purchasing of all materials that are required for our award winning developments.

Forming good working relationships is an essential part of this role, as you will be working closely with the Commercial and Construction departments as well as the Finance and Technical teams.

You will also develop working relationships with external stakeholders such as all material suppliers and external consultants.

Your duties will include:

• Measuring drawings, taking off quantities, preparing schedules, estimates and other working documents.
• Provide the material costs for the preparation of construction budgets.
• Source suitable suppliers and issuing tender enquiry documents.
• Negotiating proposed order values and new Regional Supply agreements.

There’ll be considerable financial work in most aspects of the role, with sole responsibility for producing a monthly forecast report for the Board, as well as the usual budget preparation, scheduling and estimates.

Hours of work:

9.00am - 5.30pm Monday to Thursday and 9.00am – 5.00pm on Friday.

You’ll make at least one visit to your sites per week and some additional overtime may be required to meet your targets.

About you

You’ll have a background in Construction, with previous experience as a Materials Buyer, preferably in residential development with experience in measuring drawings, preparing bills of quantities and using advanced procurement techniques.

It goes without saying that you will be able to read and understand architect drawings, specification documents and standard detail drawings.

It would be desirable if you had specific knowledge and experience of conventional 3-4 storey masonry construction, with an understanding of Contract law, together with a construction related qualification such as a HNC.

It’s important that you’re a commercially astute negotiator, self motivated, able to work under pressure and have the ability to prioritise your workload.

You must also have a valid UK driver’s license.

How you’ll be rewarded

• Competitive salary
• Annual holiday entitlement - 24 days minimum + Bank Holidays
• Company car provision or cash car alternative
• Group Personal Pension Plan
• Life Assurance
• Private Medical Insurance
• Day off on your birthday
• Childcare Voucher Scheme
• Eye Care Reimbursement Scheme
• Land Introduction Bonus

We are looking for the very best people to join our business and adopt our values so if you want to be part of our success story apply today.

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