Buyer - Sub

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.

• 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 Volker Stevin 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 Volker Stevin by attending client and supplier workshops or seminars.

• 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.

South West – primarily based out of Exeter with on‑site work around Plymouth.

• 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.

Volker Stevin, part of Volker Wessels 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.