Position Overview

We’re looking for an Assistant Construction Buyer to join our procurement team at our Middlesbrough head office. Reporting to the Procurement Manager, this role is suited to someone with existing experience in construction buying or procurement, ideally within a contractor or supplier environment.

You’ll support the delivery of material purchasing and supplier coordination across multiple live projects, helping manage cost, availability, and supply chain performance. You’ll also be involved in negotiating rates, raising and tracking orders, and improving procurement systems and processes.

Regular travel to project sites, supplier premises, and other group offices across the UK will be required.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Procurement Across Applebridge Family Businesses

• Material & Service Procurement: Assist in sourcing and purchasing materials and subcontractor services for construction projects, including earthworks, groundworks, civil engineering, geotechnical services, and waste management.
• Supplier & Subcontractor Support: Help build and maintain relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure quality, reliability, and cost-efficiency.
• Cost Control & Budgeting: Support negotiations to achieve cost savings while maintaining quality and project timelines.
• Project Assistance: Work alongside experienced buyers to help forecast material needs and prevent delays.
• Compliance & Sustainability: Ensure procurement activities meet company policies, health & safety regulations, and environmental standards.
• Material Specification Review: Support the review of material specifications to identify cost-effective solutions.

Systems & Process Development

• Procurement Systems: Learn to use our Integrity Procurement System to raise purchase orders, track procurement activities, and improve purchasing processes.
• Process Improvement: Assist in developing more efficient procurement procedures across the business.
• Invoice Queries: Handle invoice discrepancies with suppliers and accounts teams.
• Market Research: Keep up to date with price changes, new materials, and supplier innovations.

Skills & Experience Required

• Interest in Construction Procurement: A strong interest in procurement and supply chain management within the construction industry.
• Strong Communication Skills: Ability to work effectively with suppliers, site teams, and colleagues.
• Organisation & Attention to Detail: Ability to manage tasks efficiently and accurately.
• IT Proficiency: Basic skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Negotiation & Problem-Solving: A willingness to develop negotiation skills and resolve procurement challenges.
• Willingness to Travel: Regular visits to suppliers and project sites across the UK.
• Full UK Driving Licence (preferred or willingness to obtain).

Education & Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in a construction buying or procurement role (contractor or supplier side).
• A qualification in Procurement, Supply Chain, Business, or Construction is desirable.
• CIPS qualification (or working towards) is an advantage but not essential.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Support with further training and professional development (e.g. CIPS).
• Opportunities for progression within a growing procurement team.
• Exposure to a wide range of civil engineering and construction projects across the group.
• Standard working hours: 07:30–17:00, Monday to Friday.

For further information or to register your interest, please contact us by

Email: careers@applebridge.com, attaching your current CV

As an equal opportunities employer, Applebridge values diversity and welcomes all applicants.