At a Glance
- Tasks: Support project delivery through effective procurement and collaboration with teams.
- Company: Join VolkerStevin, a leader in civil engineering and sustainable solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on fairness and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in infrastructure projects while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain, strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
VolkerStevin is a leading civil engineering business within the VolkerWessels UK group, delivering innovative and sustainable solutions across the UK's infrastructure sector. 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.
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
- Compile, send out sub-contract and materials enquiries for assessment by the Tender/Project team.
- 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.
- Ensure and maintain correct document management & storage.
- Assist in delivery of procurement required for the project as agreed within the project procurement strategy.
- New Supplier onboarding.
- 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.
- Conduct internal governance checks, ensuring the correct use of documents (i.e order templates, REQ forms etc.).
- Assist in package negotiations with the supply chain.
- Keep up to date with business objectives and internal policy and 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.
Benefits
- 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.
Buyer employer: VolkerWessels UK
VolkerStevin is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Farringdon that fosters innovation and collaboration within the civil engineering sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits, and a culture of fairness and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive while delivering impactful solutions across the UK's infrastructure projects.
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 with potential colleagues 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 and how you can contribute to their procurement team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Buyer, you'll need to be confident in discussions. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with presenting your ideas and handling objections.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. 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 mentioned in the job description. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in construction or civil engineering, to show us you're a great fit for the Buyer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our values at VolkerStevin. Be sure to mention any relevant projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since strong communication is key for this role, make sure your application is clear and concise. Use straightforward language and structure your information logically so we can easily see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed more efficiently, and you'll have access to all the latest updates about the role and our company.
How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerWessels UK
✨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 liaised with teams or negotiated with suppliers. This will demonstrate your ability to collaborate across multiple projects.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
Familiarise yourself with VolkerStevin's commitment to sustainability and innovation in civil engineering. Be ready to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their objectives, especially in terms of effective and value-driven procurement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in procurement or supply chain roles and how you overcame them. This will help you illustrate your commercial awareness and organisational skills.
