Apprentice Buyer

VolkerRail is a leading multidisciplinary railway infrastructure contractor which comprises of two businesses: Major Projects and Specialist Businesses.

Major Projects is an expert in collaborative working, leading on large, multidisciplinary joint venture and alliance projects.

Specialist Businesses is made up of expert divisions in signalling, track, power, electrification, and piling, and has an in-house plant division and bespoke design teams.

Our Head office is based in J3 Business Park, Doncaster and provides support to the businesses in the following areas: Finance and Payroll, Human Resources, HSQES, Work Winning, Procurement and Fleet.

We are proud of our reputation as a high-performing business, working in harmony and partnership with our stakeholders, ensuring we help our clients deliver a rail network for the future.

We are excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for an Apprentice Buyer to join our dynamic Procurement Department. This Early Careers role is ideal for individuals eager to launch a career in buying and procurement.

As part of this apprenticeship, you will follow a structured learning programme aligned with the Level 3 Procurement Apprenticeship, which provides the essential skills and knowledge required for a successful career in procurement and supply. Completion of the programme may lead to the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate, a recognised industry qualification.

Core learning modules include:

• Procurement & supply environments
• Ethical procurement & supply
• Contract administration
• Team dynamics & change
• Socially responsible procurement

This apprenticeship is designed for those new to the profession or looking to advance their career. The programme typically spans 12 to 18 months, combining formal learning with practical, hands-on experience in a professional procurement setting.

If you are ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in procurement, we would love to hear from you.

About you

• Minimum GCSEs grade 5 in Maths and English. Preferred A Levels, vocational qualification or in full time employment
• Verbal and written communication skills with good attention to detail
• Being able to plan and prioritise work.
• Being focused and organised
• Punctual with good attendance
• Able to understand and find ways to solve a problem (with support)
• Taking notes, and minutes from calls and meetings and creating action plans
• Use all Microsoft products - Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams (training will be given but a general understanding of these will help)
• Analytical and goods understanding of maths.
• Having a curious mindset

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?

VolkerRail 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, VolkerRail 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
• 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

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.