At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our procurement team to manage subcontracting for exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: VolkerStevin, a leader in complex civil engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, extra day off for your birthday, private medical care, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for training and career growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in the civil engineering sector while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering procurement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Buyer (Subcontract) to join our procurement team for projects in the South West, based out of Exeter with visits to sites around Plymouth.
Responsibilities
- Develop bid lists and complete due diligence of proposed subcontractors for associated tender and procurement packages.
- Develop and manage tender and project procurement strategy in collaboration with the project team, identifying risk and opportunities to obtain best value.
- Develop and manage the tender and project procurement schedule.
- Collate subcontract and material enquiries for assessment by the estimator and site management team.
- Manage the return of timely quotations, perform best‑value analysis and propose recommendations in conjunction with the project team for approval.
- Lead package negotiations with the supply chain.
- Arrange and lead supplier/subcontractor meetings—including mid‑tender, post‑tender and final negotiation meetings.
- Arrange and chair pre‑let meetings prior to subcontract award.
- Conduct internal governance checks, ensuring the correct use of documents such as order templates and requisition forms.
- Chair regular project procurement reviews for subcontract and material packages, ensuring completeness of programme dates, tender allowances, order values and meeting notes/actions.
- Support projects to ensure subcontract/supplier performance meets requirements and act as mediator to resolve supply chain disputes.
- Onboard new suppliers/subcontractors, including all due diligence.
- Apply knowledge of local supply chain capacity and capability, and business objectives and internal policy to procurement activities.
- Work in line with VolkerStevin HSEQS procedures and objectives.
- Manage implementation of supply‑chain and supplier agreements, including mini‑frameworks and preferred supplier agreements.
- Build relationships with supply‑chain partners to obtain market intelligence, innovation and product development.
- Manage performance of supply‑chain partners, including 360 reviews and lessons learned.
- Ensure correct document management and storage.
- Represent VolkerStevin by attending client and supplier workshops or seminars.
Qualifications
- Experience working within heavy civil engineering procurement.
- Holding or working toward a CIPS professional qualification.
- Sound knowledge of the civil construction industry and procurement experience in subcontract and supplier markets.
- Computer literate with proficiency in Word, Excel, Teams and bespoke accounting, database and document storage packages.
- Capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
- Subcontract knowledge of different forms of contract.
- Extensive knowledge of trades and materials in civil engineering.
- Strong commercial and analytical skills with proven capability to manage workload proficiently.
- Ability to pass security clearance.
- Experience in MOD/DIO or nuclear environments is advantageous.
Location
South West – primarily based out of Exeter with on‑site work around Plymouth.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Competitive annual leave plus 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 restaurant vouchers, rewards and discounts.
- Training and development opportunities – comprehensive skills‑based training.
- Family‑friendly policies, including enhanced maternity benefits.
- Employee assistance programme.
- Mental health, physical health and financial support.
- 24/7 virtual GP service.
About VolkerStevin
VolkerStevin, part of VolkerWessels UK, specialises in complex civil engineering projects across maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water and regeneration. Our multidisciplinary engineering solutions deliver integrated services across the civil engineering and construction sectors.
Buyer - Sub Contract in Plymouth employer: VolkerWessels
VolkerStevin is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Exeter, with opportunities to engage in impactful civil engineering projects across the South West. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive training and development programmes, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance through family-friendly policies and wellness support. With a commitment to fostering professional growth and a collaborative culture, VolkerStevin stands out as a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful careers in procurement and construction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buyer - Sub Contract in Plymouth
✨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 VolkerWessels.
✨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 Buyer - Sub Contract in Plymouth
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 VolkerWessels:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to VolkerWessels. 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 VolkerWessels.
How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerWessels
✨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 VolkerWessels!
✨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 VolkerWessels. 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 VolkerWessels's culture.
