At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships for major engineering projects.
- Company: VolkerStevin, a top civil engineering firm in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical care, flexible working, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with a focus on employee well-being and career growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team delivering innovative solutions in civil engineering.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within construction and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Part of the Volker Wessels UK Group, Volker Stevin is an industry-leading civil engineering business, providing complex and innovative engineering solutions across a wide range of sectors including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water and regeneration.
Collaborating with, and drawing on the specialist skills of the group’s business units we deliver a truly integrated, multidisciplinary service.
Senior Buyer
Volker Stevin is one of the UK's leading civil engineering and infrastructure specialists, delivering major projects across the water, energy and transportation sectors.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Buyer to join our Procurement team and play a key role in supporting the delivery of our United Utilities Framework.
The Role
As Senior Buyer, you will lead procurement activities across tender and project delivery phases, ensuring effective supply chain engagement, robust governance, and commercial excellence.
Working closely with project teams, suppliers and subcontractors, you will help deliver projects safely, efficiently and cost effectively.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop project bid lists and complete due diligence on suppliers and subcontractors.
- Create and manage procurement strategies and schedules alongside project teams.
- Lead procurement activities for subcontract and material packages from enquiry through to award.
- Manage quotation returns, undertake value analysis, and provide award recommendations.
- Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
- Arrange and chair supplier meetings, tender reviews and pre-let meetings.
- Ensure compliance with company procurement procedures and governance requirements.
- Chair regular procurement review meetings and monitor project procurement progress.
- Support project teams with supplier performance management and dispute resolution.
- Manage supplier and subcontractor onboarding, including due diligence requirements.
- Build and maintain strong supply chain relationships while identifying opportunities for innovation and improved value.
- Support supplier performance reviews, lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain accurate procurement documentation and records.
About you
- Procurement experience within the construction, civil engineering or infrastructure sectors.
- CIPS qualified or working towards a professional CIPS qualification.
- Strong knowledge of subcontract procurement, supplier management and commercial negotiations.
- Good understanding of construction contracts, trades and materials.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word and Teams.
- Able to work independently, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?
Volker Stevin is under the umbrella of Volker Wessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.
By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within Volker Wessels UK, Volker Stevin are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.
We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.
We offer a range of benefits, including
- Competitive salary
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Private medical care
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
- Family friendly polices including enhanced maternity benefits
- Employee Assistance
- Flexible working opportunities programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
- Fairness, inclusion and respect
We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect.
So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, Volker Wessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels. co. uk
Additional information
Note for Recruitment Agencies
Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release.
Volker Wessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.
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Senior Buyer in Preston employer: Volkerrail Group
VolkerWessels UK is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture in Hoddesdon that fosters collaboration and innovation. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to impactful HR initiatives. With a commitment to integrity and accuracy, the company provides a supportive environment where your insights directly influence business decisions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Buyer in Preston
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Volkerrail Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Buyer in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Volkerrail Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Volkerrail Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Volkerrail Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volkerrail Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Volkerrail Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Volkerrail Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Volkerrail Group's culture.
