Buyer - Sizewell

Bouygues Construction SA; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK seeks a Buyer to manage procurement for the Sizewell C project. This role involves preparing RFPs, negotiating with suppliers, and ensuring compliance with procurement regulations. Ideal candidates should have prior procurement experience in construction or engineering fields, as well as strong negotiation and communication skills. Join us in shaping impactful clean energy infrastructure in the UK.

Benefits

Attractive salary

Health coverage

Career development opportunities

Collaborative work environment

Qualifications

• Previous procurement or buying experience within construction, engineering, or infrastructure.
• Experience in project planning or commercial/contract management is advantageous.
• Knowledge of supply chain management processes and procurement best practices.

Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of the Procurement Strategy and Plan for Sizewell C.
• Engage with potential suppliers and assess their suitability for project requirements.
• Manage tender activity, including queries, assessments, and commercial evaluations.
• Ensure procurement activities are well-documented and compliant with audit requirements.

Skills

Procurement experience

Contract negotiation

Supplier engagement

Project planning

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

As part of Bouygues Construction's Public Works division, VSL International participates in the construction of major technical structures and guarantees their structural safety and durability: transport infrastructure (bridges, tunnels), industrial and energy production structures, and commercial buildings.

VSL's business is based on four areas of expertise:

• Structural systems and technologies
• Civil engineering
• Foundations and soil engineering
• Preservation, structural repairs, renovation and optimization of structures.

VSL has 4,000 employees at 25 locations worldwide (Asia and Oceania, Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Canada).

Project

Sizewell C is at the heart of the UK’s clean energy revolution. This ground-breaking nuclear power plant project in Suffolk will play a vital role in delivering a sustainable future. Backed by EDF and the UK Government, Sizewell C is a once-in-a-generation project with significant opportunities to innovate, grow, and deliver excellence.

Our teams are delivering specialist ground engineering works including deep soil mixing, plastic cut-off walls, load transfer platforms, and embankments — all critical enabling works for the main nuclear power station.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Buyer to support the full range of upstream procurement and supply chain activities for VSL’s delivery scope on the Sizewell C project. The role will involve preparing RFPs, managing tender processes, negotiating with suppliers, placing contracts, and consolidating supply chain input to support effective client engagement. This is a key opportunity to shape procurement outcomes on one of the UK’s most complex and high-profile infrastructure projects.

Main Responsibilities

• Support the development and implementation of the Procurement Strategy and Plan for Sizewell C.
• Work within existing procurement procedures and suggest improvements to strengthen delivery.
• Develop bespoke contract and commercial solutions for each subcontract package.
• Engage with potential suppliers and assess their suitability for project requirements.
• Prepare RFI and ITT documentation for each SZC work package, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage tender activity, including queries, assessments, and commercial evaluations.
• Negotiate with subcontractors to achieve best value and secure favourable terms.

Contract Management & Compliance

• Manage subcontract awards and ensure requirements of the client contract are effectively cascaded through the supply chain.
• Support development of procurement schedules aligned with client timelines.
• Liaise with finance to agree pricing schedules, payment plans, insurance, and bonds.
• Handle non-legal or non-technical disputes with suppliers.
• Ensure procurement activities are well-documented and compliant with audit requirements.

Governance, Reporting & Improvement

• Support internal and external audits of the procurement function.
• Assist with reporting requirements, KPI management, and maintaining procurement registers.
• Provide consolidated supply chain feedback to project leadership and client representatives.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement in procurement processes.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience

• Previous procurement or buying experience within construction, engineering, or infrastructure.
• Experience in project planning or commercial/contract management is advantageous.
• Knowledge of supply chain management processes and procurement best practices.

Technical Skills

• Strong commercial acumen with contract negotiation experience.
• Skilled in tender preparation, supplier engagement, and contract award.
• Understanding of financial processes including pricing schedules, payment terms, and cost control.

Personal Attributes

• Strong communication and influencing skills, able to build positive supplier and stakeholder relationships.
• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative, proactive, and solution-focused in resolving challenges.
• Committed to VSL’s values of Respect, Excellence, Courage, Integrity, Passion, and Empowerment.

Why Work With Us?

• Impactful Work: Play a key role in delivering procurement outcomes for one of the UK’s most significant clean energy projects.
• Career Development: Opportunities for growth and progression within VSL and across a global specialist contracting network.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a highly skilled, diverse team within the Sizewell C Sub-Alliance.
• Innovation & Excellence: Contribute to shaping procurement processes on a technically complex and innovative project.
• Competitive Package: Attractive salary and benefits, including pension and health coverage.

Interested? Apply now and let's build the great structures of tomorrow together!