Buyer (2 Year FTC)

VSL International Ltd.; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

VSL International Ltd. in Ipswich is seeking a Buyer to support upstream procurement and supply chain activities on the Lower Thames Crossing project.

You will prepare RFPs, manage tender processes, negotiate with suppliers and place contracts to align with client requirements. This role offers opportunity to contribute to procurement planning, schedules, pricing, terms, and audits within a major UK infrastructure JV.

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 Procurement Strategy and Plan for the LTC project.
• Engage with potential suppliers, assess suitability, and prepare RFI/ITT documentation.
• Manage tender activity, queries, assessments and commercial evaluations; negotiate terms.
• Support subcontract awards, pricing schedules, payment plans, and contract compliance.

Skills

Tender preparation

Contract negotiation

Supplier engagement

Procurement planning

Cost control

Communication

Job description

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

The Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) is a major new road infrastructure scheme being delivered through a joint venture (JV), linking the A2/M2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex via a 2.6-mile twin-bore tunnel beneath the River Thames, which will be the longest road tunnel in the UK. The 14.5-mile route incorporates new approach roads, upgrades to existing highways and significant structures, including bridges and viaducts.

VSL is involved in the delivery of specialist engineering works as part of the wider project JV, providing opportunities to support procurement and supply chain activities across a complex infrastructure development.

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 Lower Thames Crossing 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 contribute to procurement outcomes on one of the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, working within a major project joint venture.

Procurement Strategy & Planning

• Support the development and implementation of the Procurement Strategy and Plan for the LTC project.
• Work within existing procurement procedures and suggest improvements to strengthen delivery.
• Develop bespoke contract and commercial solutions for each subcontract package.

Supplier Engagement & Tendering

• Engage with potential suppliers and assess their suitability for project requirements.
• Prepare RFI and ITT documentation for each 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.

VSL/Bouygues Construction is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse working environment where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. A copy of our Equal Opportunities Policy is available upon request.