Junior Buyer

Job Title: Junior Buyer

Reports To: Purchasing Manager

Job Summary

Vision Contracting is seeking a Junior Buyer to support the day-to-day purchasing requirements of live construction projects. This is a 12-month FTC. This is a developing procurement role that will combine buying and site support with responsibility for invoice processing and clearing invoice queries. The successful candidate will work closely with the Purchasing Manager, site teams, suppliers, Quantity Surveyors and the accounts team to ensure orders, deliveries and invoices are processed accurately and efficiently.

Purchasing and Project Support

• Assist with sourcing materials, plant and services for assigned projects.
• Obtain and compare supplier quotations and prepare information for review and approval.
• Raise and place purchase orders in line with agreed approval processes.
• Support the tracking of long-lead items, call-offs and phased deliveries.
• Maintain accurate purchasing records, trackers and order documentation.
• Liaise with Project Managers, Site Managers and Quantity Surveyors on project requirements.
• Support the resolution of delivery, availability and specification issues.

Invoice Processing and Clearing

• Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner.
• Match invoices against purchase orders, delivery dockets and agreed pricing.
• Identify invoice discrepancies, including quantity, price, coding or missing documentation.
• Liaise with site teams, suppliers and the accounts team to investigate and clear invoice queries.
• Follow up on outstanding approvals, credits and supporting documentation.
• Maintain a clear record of invoices on hold and actions required to resolve them.
• Support month-end invoice clearing and ensure outstanding items are progressed promptly.

Supplier and Site Coordination

• Build effective working relationships with suppliers and merchants.
• Confirm order details, delivery dates and availability with suppliers.
• Assist with resolving shortages, damaged goods, returns and credit notes.
• Respond promptly to purchasing queries from project and site teams.
• Escalate cost, supply or delivery risks to the Purchasing Manager.

Compliance and Administration

• Follow company purchasing, approval and financial control procedures.
• Ensure relevant product specifications and certification are obtained where required.
• Keep supplier, purchase order and invoice records complete and up to date.
• Assist with procurement reports, audits and general purchasing administration.
• Maintain confidentiality and accuracy when handling commercial and financial information.

Required Experience

• Previous experience in purchasing, invoice processing, accounts payable or construction administration is desirable.
• Experience in the construction industry or with building materials is an advantage.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and general office systems.
• Experience working with purchase orders and matching invoices to supporting documentation is beneficial.

Essential Skills

• Highly organised, accurate and detail focused.
• Strong numerical and administrative skills.
• Clear and professional communication skills.
• Confident following up with suppliers and internal teams to resolve queries.
• Able to manage competing priorities and meet processing deadlines.
• Commercially aware, with a willingness to learn and develop within procurement.
• Able to work independently while knowing when to escalate an issue.

Benefits

• 21 days annual leave, with additional days accrued for long service.
• Company pension scheme.
• Laptop and mobile phone supplied where required.
• Company sick pay scheme.
• Statutory and enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Wedding leave.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme for confidential support.
• Regular company social events and wellbeing initiatives