Contracts and Buying Graduate

Support procurement, contract management, and commercial activities for highways and infrastructure projects while gaining practical industry experience.

Are you studying Business, finance or a related degree and looking for a rewarding year in industry?

We have an exciting opportunity for a student or graduate seeking a year in industry placement to gain hands-on experience supporting the delivery of highways and infrastructure projects across North Yorkshire.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join NY Highways and develop your skills within a professional Contracts and Buying environment.

As a Contracts and Buying Placement, you will support the delivery of procurement and commercial activities that ensure value for money, compliance with regulations, and effective supply of goods and services across the organisation. You will gain exposure to real projects, working alongside experienced professionals across a variety of commercial functions.

What you will be doing

You will play an important role in supporting procurement and commercial activities across the business, helping to ensure the effective delivery of goods and services. Working with guidance from experienced colleagues, you will assist with tender preparation, supplier evaluations and contract processes, while ensuring compliance with regulations.

You will help monitor budgets and expenditure, support financial reporting, and contribute to contract management activities such as tracking supplier performance and attending review meetings. The role also involves working closely with internal teams, raising purchase orders, processing invoices and supporting data analysis and reporting.

Throughout the placement, you will gain insight into procurement strategy, supplier engagement, contract administration and the commercial inputs required to support operational delivery.

About You

Essential:

·       Working towards a degree in Business, Finance or a related subject

·       Able to work as part of a team

·       Flexible approach to working

·       Willing to learn and undertake training

Desirable:

·       Understanding of procurement or contract management

·       Awareness of procurement legislation

·       Good communication, IT (particularly Excel) and problem-solving skills

As a Graduate with NY Highways

Join NY Highways and play a key role in operating, maintaining, and improving North Yorkshire's road network. We are dedicated to the ongoing development and training of our staff, offering relevant support your career progression in Highways.

These roles require operating machinery on public highways and/or driving vehicles regularly. NY Highways prioritises the health and safety of employees and the public. Successful candidates will undergo alcohol and drugs testing as part of the recruitment process and during employment.

As part of your placement, you will benefit from a structured development offer designed to support your personal and professional growth. This includes access to core skills training sessions to help build essential workplace capabilities, alongside dedicated mentoring support from an experienced colleague within the organisation.

You will also have the opportunity to engage with North Yorkshire Council’s graduate network, providing access to peer connections and informal lunchtime learning sessions. In addition, you will be able to utilise Learning Zone resources, including Ashridge online learning, enabling you to further develop your knowledge and skills throughout your placement.