Contracts and Buying – Year in Industry Placement (North Yorkshire – NY Highways)
Are you studying Business, finance or a related degree and looking for a rewarding year in industry?
We have an exciting opportunity for a student or graduate seeking a year in industry placement to gain hands-on experience supporting the delivery of highways and infrastructure projects across North Yorkshire.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join NY Highways and develop your skills within a professional Contracts and Buying environment.
As a Contracts and Buying Placement, you will support the delivery of procurement and commercial activities that ensure value for money, compliance with regulations, and effective supply of goods and services across the organisation. You will gain exposure to real projects, working alongside experienced professionals across a variety of commercial functions.
What you will be doing
You will play an important role in supporting procurement and commercial activities across the business, helping to ensure the effective delivery of goods and services. Working with guidance from experienced colleagues, you will assist with tender preparation, supplier evaluations and contract processes, while ensuring compliance with regulations.
You will help monitor budgets and expenditure, support financial reporting, and contribute to contract management activities such as tracking supplier performance and attending review meetings. The role also involves working closely with internal teams, raising purchase orders, processing invoices and supporting data analysis and reporting.
Throughout the placement, you will gain insight into procurement strategy, supplier engagement, contract administration and the commercial inputs required to support operational delivery.
About You
Essential:
· Working towards a degree in Business, Finance or a related subject
· Able to work as part of a team
· Flexible approach to working
· Willing to learn and undertake training
Desirable:
· Understanding of procurement or contract management
· Awareness of procurement legislation
· Good communication, IT (particularly Excel) and problem-solving skills
As a Graduate with NY Highways
Join NY Highways and play a key role in operating, maintaining, and improving North Yorkshire's road network. We are dedicated to the ongoing development and training of our staff, offering relevant support your career progression in Highways.
These roles require operating machinery on public highways and/or driving vehicles regularly. NY Highways prioritises the health and safety of employees and the public. Successful candidates will undergo alcohol and drugs testing as part of the recruitment process and during employment.
As part of your placement, you will benefit from a structured development offer designed to support your personal and professional growth. This includes access to core skills training sessions to help build essential workplace capabilities, alongside dedicated mentoring support from an experienced colleague within the organisation. You will also have the opportunity to engage with North Yorkshire Council’s graduate network, providing access to peer connections and informal lunchtime learning sessions. In addition, you will be able to utilise Learning Zone resources, including Ashridge online learning, enabling you to further develop your knowledge and skills throughout your placement.
Find out more about our Rewards and Benefits by clicking here.
For more information on the role responsibilities, download the Job Description by clicking here.
How to Apply
To apply, click the “Apply” button to complete a short application form which includes uploading a copy of your CV.
You can start, save and come back to your application, but before you hit submit please ensure your application includes your contact details, employment history if applicable, and details of your education and any qualifications.
For a confidential and informal discussion about this role or the recruitment process, of if you require further support with your application contact Devon on devon.lowe@northyorks.gov.uk or at 07720 869014.
Key Dates
The deadline for applications is midnight on Sunday 12th July,
Interviews are planned to take place shortly after closing.
We reserve the right to remove this vacancy in the event of the position being filled before the proposed deadline.
NY Highways is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff. We welcome applications from individuals regardless of age, any disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion, or belief.
We will not accept applications from agencies and can only consider applications from individuals with right to work within the UK.
At NY Highways, safety is a core principle. We are dedicated to the health and safety of our employees and the public. To maintain a safe work environment, we enforce a strict substance misuse policy. Employees must report to work fit for duty and free from drugs or alcohol. New employees will undergo mandatory drug and alcohol testing, with random tests conducted throughout employment. Adherence to this policy is essential for upholding our safety standards and ensuring the integrity of our operations.
