Job title: Assistant Buyer
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: Housing
Functional Expertise: Commercial
Salary type: Annual
Salary from: GBP £35,000.00
Salary to: GBP £40,000.00
Location: Co Durham
Job published: 08-01-2026
Job ID: 58029
Contact name: Michael Dufferwiel
Phone number: +447827338803
Contact email: mdufferwiel@elvetrecruitment.com

Job Description

Elvet Recruitment have been appointed to recruit for an Assistant Buyer role supporting the Commercial team in a regional housebuilding division.

An Assistant Buyer supporting procurement of materials and hired plant for regional new‑home developments, managing budgets, orders and supplier relationships to deliver projects on time and to cost. Reporting to the Commercial Manager; office based with travel across the divisional area.

Main duties will include:
•     Procurement support — assist with purchasing directly bought materials and hired plant to meet regional forecasts.
•     Take-offs and scheduling — perform material take-offs from working drawings and prepare schedules where required.
•     Order management — place bulk material orders and process site-generated requisitions.
•     Supplier liaison — negotiate and work with suppliers to secure best value and manage relationships.
•     Budget monitoring — assist in preparing and updating materials budgets for individual developments.
•     KPI reporting — help produce KPI reports such as site damage, plant use and site waste.
•     Compliance — ensure adherence to the organisation’s procurement procedures.
•     Workload management — manage daily/weekly tasks and priorities effectively.
•     Site travel — visit development sites as required to support procurement activity.

To be considered, applicants should have:
•     Experience — previous buying or procurement role with knowledge of take-offs, schedules and budgets; construction sector experience preferred.
•     Qualifications — current CSCS card (or equivalent); GCSE English and Mathematics grade A–C/4+ or equivalent.
•     Education — HNC or degree in a relevant subject desirable but not essential if equivalent experience is demonstrated.
•     Skills — strong communication and listening; excellent attention to detail; IT literate with proficiency in MS Word and Excel and ability to adapt to new systems.
•     Behaviours — ability to work independently and as part of a team; able to meet deadlines under pressure; committed to diversity and inclusion.
•     Flexibility — willing to be flexible with day-to-day duties and working hours.

Benefits include:
•     Pay and reward — competitive salary; competitive annual bonus; competitive car allowance; optional salary sacrifice car scheme.
•     Pension and protection — contributory pension scheme; life assurance.
•     Leave and flexibility — 25 days holiday plus bank holidays; holiday purchase scheme; flexible working considered.
•     Perks — access to discounts and benefits portal; ShareSave scheme; Cycle to Work scheme.
•     Development — Earn and Learn opportunities and ongoing training and progression.

Please call or email Michael Dufferwiel at Elvet Recruitment to discuss in more detail.