Graduate Buyer

Balfour Beatty plc; Motherwell; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days' holiday

Permanent contract from day one

Structured training and coaching

Job summary

Balfour Beatty plc in Motherwell is launching a 2027 Early Careers Graduate Buyer - Maxim programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience on major infrastructure projects, take on real responsibility from day one and develop technical and professional skills alongside experienced procurement professionals.

You’ll learn supplier selection, tendering, market research, and support with procurement documentation, reporting, and data analysis, while building a strong commercial awareness that supports

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:2 honours degree in a relevant field.
• Genuine interest in the infrastructure sector and procurement.
• Willingness to learn and develop professionally.

Responsibilities

• Support procurement activities, including tendering and supplier selection.
• Assist with market research to understand suppliers and materials.
• Help carry out supplier checks and maintain supplier information.
• Support the ordering of materials and plant in a timely and organised way.
• Assist with procurement documentation and keeping records up to date.
• Support communication with suppliers and internal project teams.
• Learn how to identify risks and opportunities in the supply chain.
• Track orders and ensure timely delivery of materials.
• Prepare simple reports and data to aid decision-making.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

Degree in Supply Chain Management / Procurement, Business Management or related (2:2 required)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems

Job description

About the role

We are Balfour Beatty. You may not know us by name, but you’ll recognise what we do. We’re a leading international infrastructure group, building, maintaining and improving infrastructure that supports communities for generations to come.

As a Graduate Buyer - Maxim, you'll join our 2027 Early Careers programme and gain hands‑on experience while contributing to some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects. From day one, you'll take on real responsibility, develop technical and professional skills, and work alongside experienced colleagues who will support your growth. You'll also be part of a supportive graduate community, building the skills, experience and industry‑recognised accreditations needed for a successful career.

In this role, you’ll join one of our Balfour Beatty Power T&D teams as a Graduate Buyer, based in Motherwell.

What you'll be doing

As a Graduate Buyer - Maxim you’ll play a key role in sourcing the materials, plant, and services needed to keep projects running safely, efficiently, and on schedule. You'll help identify suppliers, compare solutions, and support purchasing decisions that balance cost, quality, and performance.

Working alongside experienced procurement professionals, you'll learn how supply chains are managed, how supplier relationships are developed, and how effective procurement supports the successful delivery of major infrastructure projects. You'll gain valuable commercial awareness while contributing to day‑to‑day procurement activities in a practical, hands‑on environment.

You’ll support with:

• Support procurement activities, including helping with tendering and supplier selection.
• Assist with basic market research to understand suppliers and materials.
• Help carry out supplier checks and maintain supplier information.
• Support the ordering of materials and plant in a timely and organised way.
• Assist with procurement documentation and keeping records up to date.
• Support communication with suppliers and internal project teams.
• Learn how to identify potential risks and opportunities in the supply chain.
• Help track orders and ensure materials are delivered as required.
• Support the preparation of simple reports and data to aid decision‑making.
• Work with project and commercial teams to understand project needs.
• Develop an understanding of procurement processes and how they support project delivery.

Who we're looking for

We value your potential over past experience and are looking for graduates with a degree in Supply Chain Management / Procurement, Business Management or related and a genuine interest in our industry. To be eligible, you’ll need to achieve a minimum 2:2 honours degree by the time you start.

We’d love to receive your application if you:

• Are curious, proactive and motivated to develop professionally.
• Enjoy solving problems and finding practical solutions.
• Work well with others and build positive relationships.
• Communicate clearly and confidently with different people.
• Take ownership, adapt to challenges and are committed to achieving results.

Why work for us as a Graduate

• Work on high‑profile projects that make a real difference, while building your career with one of the UK’s leading infrastructure groups.
• Be part of a supportive early careers network, with structured training and with structured training and coaching from experienced industry professionals.
• Take part in unique development experiences, including residential trips in the Lake District and personal development delivered by our external partners.
• Take ownership of your ongoing professional development, with support towards professional membership and chartership or professional registration where relevant to your career path.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary and flexible benefits, giving you the freedom to shape a rewards package that works for you.
• 25 days' holiday, with the option to buy or sell additional days.
• A permanent contract from day one, reflecting our commitment to your long‑term career.
• Clear progression opportunities, with bi‑annual performance and pay reviews throughout your programme.
• Opportunities to connect with fellow graduates through networking events, development activities and our Early Careers Showcase.
• Opportunities to get involved in wider business initiatives, community projects and programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

About us

The power sector is one of the fastest‑growing areas in infrastructure, helping to keep homes, businesses and communities connected. It plays a vital role in supporting the UK's transition to a low‑carbon future by strengthening electricity networks and enabling the integration of renewable energy sources.

At Balfour Beatty, our Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to deliver engineering solutions across the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks.

From early‑stage planning and design through to construction and maintenance, our teams help deliver some of the UK's most ambitious power projects, improving network resilience and supporting a more sustainable energy future.

Diversity and inclusion

At Balfour Beatty, we want everyone to be able to thrive and achieve their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. We’re making great progress through our Value Everyone DEI Action Plan, but we know we’ve got more to do. Find out more about our values and DEI initiatives.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this role will be offered an interview.

We are committed to our processes being barrier‑free and will support adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please let the recruiter for this role know if you require any adjustments.

We’re looking to continually improve our recruitment process, so if you have any feedback, please share this with us via [e-mail]