Purchase jobs in United Kingdom

Buyer (Within Construction or Engineering) – Our client is seeking a proactive & highly organised Buyer to take full ownership of the purchasing function. This standalone role is responsible for managing end-to-end procurement activity, supplier relationships, and stock flow across the business. The ideal candidate will work independently while maintaining strong communication with the Finance team and other operational departments.

Working Hours: 08:30am – 5:00pm (30m unpaid lunch)

Working Week: Monday to Friday

Hourly Rate: £14.00ph – £16.50ph

Duration: Temp to Perm (12‑15 weeks)

Knaresborough, HG5

Purchasing & Procurement – Manage the full purchasing cycle, from raising purchase orders to delivery confirmation. Source required materials, equipment, and services in line with business needs. Ensure cost‑effective purchasing while maintaining compliance with company standards. Work with external procurement teams to support larger project requirements.

Supplier Management – Liaise daily with suppliers to negotiate pricing, lead times, and terms. Develop and maintain strong supplier relationships to ensure reliability and quality. Monitor supplier performance and address any issues proactively. Seek out alternative suppliers to improve value, quality, or service levels.

Stock & Inventory Control – Oversee stock flow, intake, and availability across all departments. Ensure critical stock levels are maintained to avoid operational delays. Coordinate closely with warehouse and operational teams on deliveries and stock usage. Maintain accurate stock and purchasing records for finance and reporting purposes.

Financial & Administrative Duties – Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate costings and budget alignment. Support invoice reconciliation and resolve discrepancies with suppliers. Provide purchasing reports, spend analysis, and forecasting where required.

Proven experience as a Buyer or in a Purchasing role (ideally in technical, engineering, or related sectors). Strong negotiation, communication, and relationship‑building skills. Excellent organisation with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently. Good understanding of supply chain processes and stock management. Confident using purchasing systems and Microsoft Office platforms. High attention to detail and a proactive problem‑solving mindset.

Experience within fire, security, electrical, or engineering industries. Knowledge of industry‑specific components or suppliers. Previous experience supporting project procurement.