Graduate Buyer

Graduate Buyer

Full-Time 28800 - 43200 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage procurement of engineering equipment and materials across UK sites.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to sustainability and ethical practices.
  • Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and a collaborative work environment.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that values innovation, safety, and environmental responsibility.
  • Qualifications: Strong motivation, good Excel skills, and a curious attitude are key; experience is a plus.
  • Other info: Ideal for recent graduates looking to kickstart their career in procurement.

The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.

To manage the procurement of engineering and hired equipment across our UK sites. The categories cover capital purchase of equipment, spare parts and servicing and hired equipment. You’ll need to look for value and seek to meet our ESG commitments.

Responsibilities:

  • Health & Safety: Employees must not endanger themselves, or others, by their acts or omissions. In addition, they must co-operate with their employers, as long as this co-operation does not lead to an increased risk to health and safety, or is an illegal act, so that the employer can comply with their statutory duties, thereby making the responsibility for safety a joint effort between employer and employee.
  • Food Safety: Employees must ensure they adhere to all procedures and policies relating to food safety when operating at the Weston site.
  • Lean: Employees must ensure they endeavour to support the key lean initiatives relating to waste minimisation and continuous improvement.
  • Quality: Employees must ensure that they take a quality approach to fulfilling the requirements of their role and endeavour to get it right first time.
  • Ethical: Employees must ensure that they fulfil their job role in an ethical manner and that they adhere to the Company’s policies relating to ethical practices in their dealings with other employees.
  • Environmental: Employees must ensure that they are continually mindful of the Company’s environmental aims and that where possible whilst fulfilling their job role they minimise their personal impact upon the environment.

Principle Accountabilities:

  • Develop and implement procurement strategies for engineering equipment and materials.
  • Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, negotiate contracts, and establish long-term partnerships.
  • Manage the entire procurement process: creating a plan, implementing it and working with stakeholders along the way.
  • Monitor market trends and conduct cost analysis to optimise purchasing decisions.
  • Collaborate with operations team, project management, and finance teams to understand project requirements and ensure timely delivery of equipment.
  • Work with the procurement team to ensure that contracts appropriately protect the business.
  • Resolve any issues related to delivery, quality, or pricing discrepancies.
  • Continuously seek opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.

Contact with others:

  • Internal customers: operations and engineering, finance and leadership
  • External suppliers

Experience, Knowledge, Qualifications:

  • Specific Competencies/Skills:
  • Judgement: Can identify ideas and alternatives, thinks logically and makes decisions.
  • Motivation: Strong motivated character – “can-do” approach, focuses energy into taking the initiative, curious attitude, and the ability to ask the right questions.
  • Organisation: Works in a systematic and proactive manner to complete tasks, able to prioritise tasks in pressured situations, demonstrates excellent attention to detail.
  • Knowledge/Experience: Good working knowledge of MS Excel and ability to quickly understand basic MRP systems. Experience in a similar field (e.g. Horti, FMCG or engineering) is helpful but not expected.
  • Perception: Aware of how people are feeling/reacting and adapts approach accordingly.
  • Communication: Able to communicate across all levels of the business and supply base, ensures others’ understanding.

Graduate Buyer employer: Alexander Steele Recruitment

As a Graduate Buyer at our Hertfordshire location, you will join a dynamic team that values collaboration and innovation, fostering a supportive work culture where your contributions are recognised and rewarded. We offer comprehensive training and development opportunities to help you grow in your career while actively promoting our commitment to health, safety, and sustainability. With a focus on ethical practices and continuous improvement, you'll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee well-being and environmental responsibility.
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Contact Detail:

Alexander Steele Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Graduate Buyer

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with procurement strategies and best practices in the engineering sector. Understanding how to develop and implement these strategies will give you a solid foundation for discussions during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in engineering or similar industries. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and make connections that could help you stand out.

Tip Number 3

Stay updated on market trends and cost analysis techniques. Being able to discuss current trends and how they impact procurement decisions will demonstrate your proactive approach and knowledge during interviews.

Tip Number 4

Prepare to showcase your problem-solving skills by thinking of examples where you've resolved issues related to delivery or quality in past experiences. This will highlight your ability to handle challenges effectively in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Buyer

Procurement Strategies
Supplier Evaluation
Contract Negotiation
Cost Analysis
Market Trend Analysis
Stakeholder Management
Problem-Solving Skills
Attention to Detail
MS Excel Proficiency
MRP Systems Understanding
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Initiative and Motivation
Adaptability
Ethical Practices Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities of a Graduate Buyer. Emphasise any experience in procurement, supplier management, or project collaboration.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your motivation for the role and your understanding of the company's values, especially regarding ESG commitments. Mention specific examples of how you can contribute to their procurement strategies.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key competencies such as judgement, organisation, and communication. Provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles or projects.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for a role in procurement.

How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele Recruitment

Research the Company and Industry

Before your interview, take some time to research the company and its position in the procurement industry. Understand their values, especially regarding ESG commitments, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these goals.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

As a Graduate Buyer, you'll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills. Be ready to discuss any relevant experience you have with cost analysis or market trend monitoring, and provide examples of how you've used data to make informed decisions.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Expect questions that assess your judgement, motivation, and communication skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting instances where you've successfully navigated challenges or worked collaboratively.

Demonstrate Your Initiative

Employers are looking for candidates with a 'can-do' attitude. Share examples of times when you've taken the initiative to solve problems or improve processes, showing that you're proactive and eager to contribute positively to the team.

Graduate Buyer
Alexander Steele Recruitment
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