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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.

VolkerStevin are recruiting for a Senior Buyer (Sub contract). This vacancy is for the South West where the opportunity to work on sites in and around Plymouth as well as utilising our office in Exeter. Its a fantastic opportunity to join our procurement team as a Sub contract Senior Buyer.

Previous experience in heavy civil engineering sub contract buying is essential. The position will require the ability to pass security clearance,

if you have previously operated in a MOD /DIO or Nuclear environment it would be advantageous but not essential.

Overall role purpose:

To establish, maintain and improve the control and effectiveness of the buying function in line with Company policy and Business objectives

Key Accountabilities:

Develop bid list and complete due diligence of proposed Subcontractors for associated Tender/Procurement packages for sign of by Project Team and Procurement Manager

Develop Tender/Project Procurement Strategy in collaboration with the Project Team, identifying risk and opportunities and leveraging to obtain best value.

Develop and Manage in collaboration with the Project Team, the Tender/Project Procurement Schedule

Collate Tender/Project sub-contract and materials enquiries for assessment and use by Estimator/ Site Management team.

Manage the return of timely quotations, complete full best value analysis and propose recommendation in conjunction with Project Team for approval.

Lead package negotiations with supply chain

Arrange and lead Supplier/Subcontractor meetings incl mid-tender, post tender and final negotiation meetings.

Arrange and chair Pre-let Meeting prior to Subcontract award.

Internal Governance checks , ensuring the correct use of documents (i.e order templates, REQ forms etc.)

Chair regular Project Procurement reviews for both Subcontract Packages and Materials ensuring completeness of programme dates, Tender allowances, order values and meeting notes/actions

Support Projects ensuring Subcontract/Supplier performance meets their requirements and act as mediator to help deliver a positive outcome should a Supply Chain dispute arise

New Supplier/Subcontractor onboarding including all due diligence

Have a good knowledge of local supply chain, capacity and capability.

Have an awareness of business objectives and internal policy and apply to Project Procurement where required

Work in line with VolkerStevin HSEQS procedures and objectives.

Manage the implementation of supply chain / supplier agreements including Mini Fwks and preferred supplier agreements

Working with Supply Chain to build relationships, obtain market intelligence and market innovation/product development

Performance management of Supply Chain including 360 reviews, lesson learned etc

Ensuring and maintaining correct document management & storage.

Represent VolkerStevin by supporting and attending any Client/Supplier Workshops or Seminars

About you

• Experience of working within heavy Civil Engineering and working in Procurement
• Holding or working towards a CIPS Professional Qualification
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of Civils/Construction industry and Procurement experience in subcontract and supplier markets in Construction sector
• Be computer literate and able to work with words. Excel Teams plus bespoke accounting, database and document storage packages.
• Capable of working on their own initiative with minimal supervision
• Competent Sub-contract knowledge of different type of forms of Contract
• Extensive knowledge of trades and materials in Civil Engineering
• Good commercial and analytical skills with proven capability of managing workload proficiently

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 polices including enhanced maternity benefits
• Employee Assistance 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. You can read more about our FIR Strategy as well as our partners here Fairness, Inclusion and Respect | VolkerWessels UK

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.

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