We are strengthening our Central Procurement team to maintain high standards of governance, efficiency, and strategic alignment. To support this, we are recruiting an Industrial Placement - Materials and Services Buying, based at our Hattersley Office.

Why Choose MWH?

Its your career, lets shape it together! We pride ourselves on putting people first with an inclusive and rewarding culture where success is recognised. Dedicated to attracting, retaining and enabling the development of our graduates to maximise potential. The graduate programme is tailored to your needs with a flexible and varied learning environment, you’ll feel empowered to make decisions and harness your knowledge and practical skills. The sky’s the limit!

Grow with us! As a growing company within the RSK group, we can offer a multitude of opportunities. MWH Treatment is preparing to play its part as one of the UK’s leading Design and Build Contractors in the Water Industry. In response to the growing demand to improve further the UK water quality in our rivers and bathing waters amongst other challenges, the investment in the water industry is far exceeding any other time. MWH Treatment, as part of the RSK group, specialise in creating and providing practical, sustainable outcomes. Our engineers pioneer and perfect solutions. The variety of work we offer provides a platform for you to develop and master your subject to build a fruitful and purposeful career.

What will you be doing?

This placement offers an excellent opportunity for an undergraduate student to gain practical experience in procurement and supply chain management.

Support reporting and analytics for category performance (spend, savings, supplier KPIs)
Prepare and process purchase orders, ensuring timely delivery.
Assist with tender documentation and bid evaluations.
Monitor supplier performance and escalate issues where necessary.
Maintain clean and accurate data in procurement systems (P2P).
Contribute to sustainability and compliance initiatives.
Provide administrative support and assist with audits.
Participate in continuous improvement projects and share best practices.

As a Junior Buyer, you will support the central procurement team in sourcing materials and services, assisting with category management activities, and learning how procurement drives value, mitigates risk, and supports operational efficiency.

Reporting to the Central Procurement Manager, you will assist in:

Supporting Category Management: Help maintain category data and support sourcing activities.
Tendering & Negotiation: Learn how to prepare RFQs, collate bids, and assist in evaluations.
Supplier Engagement: Support communication with suppliers and help monitor performance.
Data & Reporting: Maintain accurate procurement records and contribute to reporting.
Process Improvement: Assist in implementing best practices and compliance initiatives.

About You

What’s in it for me?

Practical experience in procurement and category management.
Exposure to tendering, supplier management, and compliance processes.
Development of negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Reporting and Presentation Skills focused on supplier performance and supply chain risk mitigation.
Mentorship from experienced procurement professionals.
Opportunity to contribute to real projects and make an impact.

Sounding Good?

What I need to be considered?

Essential

Currently studying a degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or related discipline.
Strong organisational and communication skills.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Analytical mindset with attention to detail.
Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Desirable

Interest in procurement, supply chain, or commercial management.
Familiarity with ERP or procurement systems.
Previous work experience in a business environment (placement or internship).

What happens next?

– Our dedicated early careers recruiter will review your application and be in touch

Timeframe – Within 4 weeks you will hear if you’ve been successful to the next stage

Process – You will be invited to complete a video interview, followed by an in person or Teams interview with two of our hiring managers, you will be given the opportunity to come and meet the team in office or on site. It’s important to us that you are given every opportunity to know you’re making the right choice for you and your career.

About Us

MWH Treatment is an integrated design and build provider working in the water sector. With over 1400 staff working across eight regional centres, supporting six long-term water sector frameworks and two recently won frameworks, operating both as a sole contractor but also in joint ventures and alliances.

At MWH Treatment we believe that people matter. We know to build successful, creative teams we need a diverse workforce that can deliver innovative ways of thinking. We provide an environment where you will have the freedom to develop and grow to your full potential, creating opportunity by inviting, embracing, and celebrating difference, our goal as an employer is to motivate, and develop our employees. By fostering a diverse range of talents and perspectives we ensure we have the breadth of viewpoints, experiences, and skills needed to succeed. Embracing diversity of all kinds enables us to provide a work environment and culture that plays a key role in attracting and retaining the right people with the right skills.

As signatories to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant, we have made a promise to support our forces, working with the CTP to help ex veterans find work in the civilian world. We also support Mates in Mind, a charitable programme to improve and promote positive mental health in the workplace. We don’t just tick boxes; we live these values every day.

What MWH offer

Packages include -

A competitive salary

Hybrid Working (Jobs needs dependent)

Car/car allowance (Jobs needs dependent)

25 days holiday + Bank Holidays (with an additional 5 days available to buy)

Contribution Pension scheme

Life Assurance

Health Insurance

Private Medical Insurance

And many more benefits including – cycle to work scheme, discounts and savings Hub, Kids Pass etc

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Materials and Services Buying - Industrial Placement