At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Category Manager in managing product categories and supplier relationships.
- Company: Join JDP, a leader in civils drainage and water management with a strong growth trajectory.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, staff discounts, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunities for career progression within a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in buying and procurement with hands-on experience and mentorship.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills, enthusiasm for learning, and good analytical abilities are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Company Description
Want to know more about us?
We are the experts in civils drainage and water management.
For over half a century we’ve been combining quality products, knowledgeable staff, dedicated delivery, a national branch network and technical assistance to be the one-stop shop for our customers.
We continue to experience remarkable growth and stability and this is thanks to our unwavering commitment to excellent customer service and robust business strategy.
Following fantastic results in 2024, backed up by a record breaking 2025, we continue to go from strength to strength.
There has never been a better time to join JDP.
Our people are at the heart of our operations, and we pride ourselves on being a great company to work for!
Job Description
Are you looking to start or develop your career in Buying, Procurement or Category Management?
At JDP, we're looking for an enthusiastic and commercially minded Trainee Category Buyer to join our team.
This is an exciting opportunity to learn all aspects of category management, supplier relationship management, and procurement within a successful and growing business.
Working closely with the Category Manager, you'll gain valuable experience in managing products from initial sourcing through to sales, helping to ensure we have the right products available for our customers at the right price and in the right locations.
This role offers excellent career development opportunities and would suit someone with strong analytical skills, a commercial mindset, and a desire to build a long-term career in buying and supply chain management.
- What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting the Category Manager with the day-to-day management of product categories.
- Maintaining supplier, product and purchasing master data.
- Assisting with purchasing forecasts and stock planning activities.
- Supporting supplier communications and relationship management.
- Monitoring pricing, sales, and margin performance.
- Assisting with supplier compliance, quality, and product documentation.
- Helping to identify opportunities to improve sales, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
- Supporting range reviews and product performance analysis.
- Working closely with branches, sales teams, suppliers, and stock control teams.
- Assisting with promotional activity, product launches, and category development projects.
- Producing reports and analysing data to support business decisions.
- Learning negotiation and supplier management skills from experienced colleagues.
Qualifications
What We're Looking For
We recognise that you may not have direct buying experience, so we're looking for someone with the right attitude and potential to grow.
Essential
- Strong organisational and administrative skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- A proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning.
- Good numerical and analytical ability.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to build effective working relationships.
- Good Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks.
Desirable
- Experience in an administrative, customer service, sales, supply chain or purchasing environment.
- Knowledge of the civils, drainage, or construction sector.
- Experience using SAP, Phocas or similar business systems.
- Additional Information
- What You'll Gain
- Structured training and mentoring from experienced Category Manager.
- Exposure to procurement, supplier management, forecasting, and commercial analysis.
- Opportunities to develop negotiation and category management skills.
- Career progression opportunities within JDP's Supply Chain and Commercial teams.
- Flexible/hybrid working following successful completion of probation.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary
- Contributory Pension Scheme
- Staff Discounts/ Perkbox
Apply today and start your journey towards a career in Category Management with JDP.
Trainee Category Buyer in Carlisle employer: JDP
At JDP, we pride ourselves on our supportive work culture and commitment to employee development, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful roles. Our Head Office in Longtown offers a collaborative environment where you can thrive as part of a dedicated team, with flexible working hours and competitive benefits including a contributory pension scheme and staff discounts. Join us during this exciting period of growth and stability, and be part of a company that values its people at every level.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Category Buyer in Carlisle
✨Get Involved in Procurement Groups
Join local and online procurement communities like the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). Engaging in forums or attending their events can help us learn from the pros and make valuable connections that could lead to trainee opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Interest with Projects
Since we're looking for trainee roles, consider getting hands-on experience. Try volunteering for projects where you can assist with procurement tasks, even in a small capacity. This not only enhances your skills but also gives you concrete examples to share during interviews.
✨Keep an Eye on Internship Openings
Follow the careers page of companies like JDP closely for trainee programme announcements. These roles are often filled based on internship experiences or early talent programmes, so being proactive can give us an edge!
✨Leverage Your University Resources
Don’t forget about your university's career services! They often have exclusive connections with companies in the procurement sector, and they might even know of trainee opportunities at JDP. Make sure we utilise these resources to our advantage.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Category Buyer in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Attention to Detail:In procurement, being meticulous is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experiences where you've managed budgets, negotiated prices, or handled contracts. This will show us at JDP that you're already thinking about the nitty-gritty details that matter in purchasing.
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:As a trainee in procurement, we’re keen to see your ability to analyse data and trends. If you've done any coursework or projects involving data analysis or market research, mention these. We love seeing candidates who are not only organised but also have a knack for understanding the bigger picture.
Express Your Eagerness to Learn:As a trainee, we're less focused on experience and more excited about potential! Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about procurement and what you hope to learn at JDP. Sharing your enthusiasm can set you apart from other applicants.
Keep It Professional but Personal:While we appreciate a formal tone, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Your application should reflect who you are and your motivation for wanting to work in procurement. A dash of personality mixed with professionalism will make your application stand out!
How to prepare for a job interview at JDP
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on the fundamentals of procurement and purchasing. Be ready to discuss key concepts like supplier evaluation and negotiation tactics, as these might come up in your interview with JDP. They'll be keen to see if you understand the basics and how they apply to real-world scenarios.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Industry Tools
Get acquainted with popular procurement tools and software that companies like JDP might be using. Basic knowledge of systems like SAP Ariba or Coupa can really set you apart and show that you’re serious about stepping into the procurement field, even as a trainee.
✨Show Your Willingness to Learn
As a trainee, you might not have extensive experience, but employers like JDP want to see your enthusiasm for learning. Be prepared to share examples of how you've quickly picked up new skills or concepts in the past, emphasising your eagerness to develop in this role.
✨Prepare Smart Questions
Think about insightful questions you can ask the interviewer to demonstrate your interest in the role and the company. You could ask about how procurement strategies are influenced by market trends or inquire about the training programmes JDP offers for their trainees. This shows you’re thinking ahead about your growth!
