Apprentice Procurement Assistant

Procurement Apprentice role providing hands-on experience in procurement activities such as supplier coordination, quotation analysis, spend analysis, reporting and vendor management while completing a CIPS qualification.

VolkerHighways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities.

We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in-house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in-house contracts.

About the role

The Procurement Apprentice role will provide day-to-day support to the Procurement team while developing an understanding of the various functions of the Procurement department whilst working towards a recognised Procurement qualification (CIPS).

You will gain hands on experience from our experienced team, with regular feedback, mentoring and opportunities to learn from the team and the operational teams. You will also take part in training, reviews and development activities linked to your apprenticeship. The role is designed to build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a future career in procurement.

What you’ll be doing

Supporting the team  with day to day activities including:

• Liaising with site teams, promoting our preferred supply chain agreements

• Requesting and analysing quotations and historical spend data

• Preparing management reports and information

• Supporting other procurement teams across VWUK through short-term secondments, including more transactional procurement, raising orders etc

• Visiting sites or suppliers when needed, building collaborative relationships

• Assist with maintaining the companies approved vendor database

• Take part in weekly team meetings, sharing wins, tackling challenges, and helping us hit and exceed our annual targets.

• Take part in training, feedback and development activities as part of the apprenticeship programme.

• Provide general administrative support to the team

• Assist with updating systems as required.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and show a willingness to learn from feedback and experience.

About you

You do not need previous procurement experience, we are looking for someone who is organised, curious, reliable and keen to learn. You will enjoy writing, working with people, asking questions, using Microsoft Office and producing accurate, well-presented work

You’ll need

• Knowledge of Microsoft suite products

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to develop relationships at all levels

• The ability to manage multiple projects at any one time

• High attention to detail and accuracy

• Maths and English

You do not need to already hold GCSE Maths or English to apply. If required, support will be provided as part of the apprenticeship to help you achieve the appropriate level alongside your job.

Why work with us?

• This is a great opportunity to start a career in work winning, helping VolkerHighways secure the projects that keep communities moving, from highways maintenance and street lighting to public realm and infrastructure improvements. You’ll learn how strong writing, organisation, teamwork and attention to detail help turn opportunities into successful contract wins.

• VolkerHighways 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.

• A permanent job with structured training and support

• Alongside day-to-day experience, you will complete a Bid and Proposal Coordinator apprenticeship, developing skills in bid processes, proposal writing, customer requirements, compliance, document production and teamwork. Over time, this could lead to opportunities in bid coordination, bid writing, proposal management, business development or wider commercial roles.

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.