2026 Graduate Procurement

Laing O'Rourke; Dartford; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and engineering firm in the UK is seeking bright and committed graduates for the Graduate Procurement Assistant role. This position offers a pathway to progress to Assistant Procurement Manager, involving collaboration within the Procurement team on major projects. Candidates should have a degree in Business, Economics, or related fields, with strong numeracy skills and a commitment to ethical procurement practices. The programme provides opportunities for professional development and exposure to innovative construction projects.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Exposure to exciting projects

Support towards professional accreditation

Qualifications

• Studying or obtained a relevant degree (minimum 2:2 classification).
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Procurement Line Manager with procurement processes.
• Develop understanding of procurement and commercial principles.
• Maintain professional relationships with suppliers and sub-contractors.
• Gather management information and collate reports.

Skills

Strong numeracy and literacy skills

Flexibility

Education

Degree in Business, Economics, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or Purchasing

Job description

This role does not provide sponsorship

We're looking for bright and committed graduates who will bring energy, new ideas and a fresh perspective to help us become the recognised leader and transform the construction and engineering industry.

Role Overview

A Graduate Procurement Assistant will progress through to the role Assistant Procurement Manager over the period of the programme. They will work within the Procurement team under the guidance of their Procurement Line Manager and Professional Mentor, alongside other members of the Procurement team to carry out and promise ethical procurement practices.

They will work either within our central Procurement team or on‑site based project carrying out procurement activities and supporting the delivery of major construction projects and the Business as a whole.

The Procurement Assistant is part of the Procurement Job Family, which is there to ensure technical excellence, assurance and performance across all projects and opportunities from pre‑project, early engagement and work winning through to detailed delivery.

Key Deliverables and Accountabilities

• To develop an understanding procurement and commercial principles of the function
• To assist the Procurement Line Manager in the implementation of individual Project Procurement strategy.
• To assist Work Winning activity, or project/head office transactions as required.
• Whilst under supervision, assist with the Procurement process of subcontractors, materials, plant and services, in accordance with the Business Procurement Strategy and the individual Project(s) Procurement strategy, including but not limited to;
• Sourcing and formally agreeing an appropriate supply chain (inclusive of vendor management process);
• Compiling robust tender enquiries;
• Managing the formal tender process;
• Conducting a full commercial and technical review of all tender returns through engagement with other specialist functions (i.e. HSE, technical compliance, quality, commercial, construction, planning, contractual services/ legal, logistics, industrial relations etc), as appropriate;
• Actioning the tender negotiation process;
• Providing robust and complete recommendations for formal award approval(s);
• Drafting, issue and execution of contracts, in accordance with LOR guidelines and Corporate governance;
• Supply chain performance management and reporting.
• Develop an understanding and promote the use of in‑house opportunities through Design for Manufacture (DFMA) and self‑delivery.
• To apply ethical procurement practices and consistent approach to the procurement of goods and services to ensuring compliance with the LOR corporate governance and Procurement best practice throughout the Procurement process and the supply chain.
• To become informed of and keep abreast of changes in legislation, best practice guidelines etc that affect the supply chain and markets.
• Whilst under supervision, develop and maintain professional working relationships with suppliers, sub‑contractors and service providers, who are committed and aligned to LOR's Values and will provide best value to LOR and support LOR as a Contractor of first choice.
• To assist the Procurement Line Manager in the provision of a safe, robust and appropriate supply chain to deliver LOR's Business needs.
• To deliver internal Customer satisfaction throughout the Procurement process and lifecycle of the Project.
• Begins studying towards the Procurement professional qualification.
• To gather management information and collate reports in accordance with line management and functional requirements.
• Practical application of Procurement; tools, techniques, data sources, analysis (i.e. price comparisons and sub‑contractor quotations) and reporting in accordance with core procurement processes.
• To upskill product knowledge including development and innovation of materials, products and systems that may increase competitive advantage and cost‑effective solutions.
• To consolidate knowledge and understanding of supply chains and their interaction with LOR.
• Begin to develop negotiation skills
• Keep your manager fully advised of any issue/risk which has arisen or might arise, and which could affect the business/project

Location

As a project‑led business, the location of our work can vary depending on project needs. This role may require you to be prepared to relocate to project sites across the UK.

Degree Subjects

Business or economics, logistics, supply chain management or purchasing other degrees will be considered for this role.

Professional Accreditation

CIPS qualification routes offered (Chartership)

What can you expect?

Our graduate programme is designed to embrace and develop your capabilities. Most importantly, you will be encouraged to continue learning throughout your career. You will be stretched, challenged and supported by a business that views your personal development and the achievement of professional accreditation as a priority. Our programme will give you the practical experience, technical learning and professional development while being part of the some of the most exciting construction and infrastructure projects in the UK.

Our Application Process

• CV Submission – Submit your CV for review. We will assess your application against the entry criteria for the role you are applying for.
• Online Assessment – You will complete a series of assessments designed to understand how you approach workplace situations, your preferred ways of working, as well as exercises to evaluate your critical thinking and numerical reasoning skills.
• Video Interview – At this stage, you will be invited to record responses to two questions set by our hiring team. You will have sufficient time to prepare and ensure you present yourself confidently.
• Assessment Centre – Our in‑person assessment centres, held at a LOR office, provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your skills through a combination of individual tasks, short interviews, and group activities. This is also a chance to experience our culture first‑hand.
• Outcome – We aim to provide feedback and communicate the outcome of your assessment centre within two weeks.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and we may close a role once enough candidates have applied. We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible so you don't miss the opportunity to be considered.

Entry requirements

• Studying a degree course with a clear route to professional accreditation
• Studying for or have obtained a Business or economics, logistics, supply chain management or purchasing degree. Other degrees will be considered for this role
• Your degree classification should be 2:2 or higher
• Strong numeracy and literacy skills
• Flexibility as you may be required to work away
• Eligible to work in the UK

Accessibility and Support

We are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is inclusive and accessible to all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support with your application, or at any stage of the process, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The Graduate Development Programme will commence in September 2026