At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Procurement team to source materials and manage supplier relationships for exciting engineering projects.
- Company: VolkerStevin, a leader in civil engineering within the VolkerWessels UK group.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, private medical care, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on fairness, inclusion, and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on infrastructure projects while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong communication skills, and a collaborative mindset.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, VolkerStevin 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.
We are currently recruiting for a Buyer to join our dynamic Procurement team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting project delivery by ensuring effective, compliant, and value-driven procurement across our projects.
The Role
As a Buyer, you will work closely with project teams, site teams, and the wider procurement function to deliver efficient and commercially sound procurement solutions. You'll contribute across the full procurement lifecycle—from tender stage through to project delivery—helping ensure materials and subcontract packages are sourced effectively and on time.
Key Responsibilities
- To compile, send out sub-contract and materials enquiries for assessment by the Tender/Project team.
- To assist Senior Buyer/Procurement Manager in the tender settlement process, meeting with key Tenderers where necessary and assisting with the production of commercial proposals on tender submissions including discounts / fixed price allowances for agreement with the Procurement Manager.
- Liaise with Senior Buyer/Procurement Manager and site management on both sub-contract and materials procurement, assist in proposing strategy for the procurement of key packages and agree critical programme dates within a procurement schedule.
- Ensuring and maintaining correct document management & storage.
- Assist in delivery of procurement required for the project as agreed within the project procurement strategy.
- New Supplier onboarding.
- For packages where Procurement are taking the lead, conclude the appointments through to production of a Subcontract Review Agenda and Order Number Request.
- Check all order number requests for relevant packages ensuring that the correct process has been followed and that all requisite checks have been made, including but not limited to, financial checks, health and safety checks, competency of the organisation and supervision, previous performance scores, database status.
- Contribute to the effective & sustainable management of VolkerStevin's supply chain, reviewing questionnaires, ensuring performance ratings are carried out for allocated projects.
- Internal Governance checks, ensuring the correct use of documents (i.e order templates, REQ forms etc.).
- Assist in package negotiations with supply chain.
- To keep up to date with business objectives and internal policy and to work in line with VolkerStevin HSEQS procedures and objectives.
About you
- Experience within procurement, buying, or supply chain (ideally within construction or civil engineering).
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Good commercial awareness and organisational ability.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to work across multiple projects.
- Knowledge of procurement processes and compliance requirements.
- Hold or working toward CIPS qualification.
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?
VolkerStevin is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels 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 VolkerWessels UK, VolkerStevin 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 policies 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, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at.
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. We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed.
VolkerWessels 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.
Buyer employer: VolkerWessels UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
VolkerWessels UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching VolkerStevin and understanding their projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge about their work in civil engineering and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to be confident in discussions. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your abilities before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the VolkerStevin team.
We think you need these skills to ace Buyer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Buyer role. Highlight any procurement or supply chain experience, especially in construction or civil engineering, to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our values at VolkerStevin. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Buyer, strong communication is key. In your application, give examples of how you've effectively collaborated with teams or managed stakeholders in past roles. We love a good team player!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerWessels UK Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
Make sure you brush up on procurement processes and compliance requirements before the interview. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you understand the role of a Buyer and can contribute effectively to the team.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Buyer, you'll need strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully collaborated with teams or negotiated with suppliers. This will demonstrate your ability to work across multiple projects.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with VolkerStevin's commitment to fairness, inclusion, and respect. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to a positive workplace culture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to the construction and civil engineering sectors. Brush up on industry-specific knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you would approach sourcing materials and subcontract packages effectively.