Assistant Buyer

This role requires having a Right to Work in the UK, RW Armstrong is unable to provide UK Visa Sponsorship.

**RW Armstrong - Group Division**:
RW Armstrong is a family business with over 65 years’ experience working on some of the finest properties in the South of England. Our well-connected head office is easily accessible from Basingstoke, situated in the charming village of Sherborne St John, only a stone’s throw from the town centre and plentiful nearby amenities. Our modern offices are home to our busy Group Business Support team. Here, you will form part of a close-knit and experienced team supporting our five offices and sites across all divisions in the business. With our company expanding, there is plenty of scope for career growth.

**JOB PURPOSE**

To deliver a comprehensive buying function to the R W Armstrong Group supporting the operational teams in the efficient delivery of a wide range of bespoke construction projects. Procuring quality products in a cost efficient and timely manner is a priority for this role.

**MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES**
- To work according to the buying processes, policies and frameworks set by the Group Buying Manager.
- To assist in the procurement of standard and bespoke goods and materials, at best value.
- To assist in the procurement of hired in plant and equipment, at best value.
- To assist in the procurement of skip and waste management services, at best value.
- To coordinate and manage RWA owned plant, including repairs and purchases.
- To effectively deploy plant and administer the re-use of second-hand materials.
- To communicate with and manage our existing supply chain partners - negotiating rebates and setting up credit accounts where possible.
- To identify and communicate opportunities for new supply chain partners to the Group Buying Manager.
- To provide cover for any person within the team in the instance of absence or holiday.
- To assist in reconciling Visa/Mastercard receipts for purchases. Assessing the spend with these companies and setting up credit accounts where possible.
- To assist in the stock control and purchasing process of company wide clothing and Personal Protective Clothing (PPE).
- To assist in producing and evaluating buying statistics.
- To work off a material schedule when required.
- To act as a first point of contact for department queries both internally and externally.
- To raise Purchase Orders in Evo M, deal with invoice queries and chase orders where required.

**KNOWLEDGE, BEHAVIOURS & SKILLS**

***EXPERIENCE**
- To have previous knowledge of the buying process and experience of negotiation.
- To have previous experience managing a large volume of orders and a diverse range of products to support an average of 45 live sites.
- To have previous knowledge of construction materials and plant equipment is desirable.
- To have previous experience of using EVO M or a similar buying/accounts system.

**SKILLS**
- To have a strong attention to detail and be accurate.
- To have good organisational skills, be able to prioritise, make decisions and work effectively within a fast paced environment.
- To demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team as well as on their own initiative and with mínimal supervision.
- To be IT literate including Microsoft Word, Outlook and Internet Explorer and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel.
- To have good numeracy and literacy skills.
- To be highly motivated with a proactive approach to individual learning and development.
- To be able to communicate with key stakeholders and liaise effectively with other internal departments.
- To be able to resolve complex issues effectively.
- To be able to negotiate.

**WORKING HOURS**
- 39 Hours per week
- Working 08:00 to 17:00 Monday to Thursday and 08:00 to 16:00 on Fridays, with a 1-hour unpaid break each day

**BENEFITS**
- 22 Days Holiday, plus Bank Holidays
- UK Healthcare Cash Plan
- 5 Days Company Sick Pay
- Standard Workplace Pension