Trainee Procurement Officer / Buyer (Permanent)
Trainee Procurement Officer / Buyer (Permanent)

Trainee Procurement Officer / Buyer (Permanent)

Trainee 30000 - 30000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Learn plant buying while supporting nursery operations and advising customers.
  • Company: Join a passionate, employee-owned horticulture business with a great culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous discounts, and 28 days holiday.
  • Other info: Experience dynamic work with opportunities for travel across the UK and Europe.
  • Why this job: Grow your skills in a hands-on role with real impact in the plant industry.
  • Qualifications: Strong plant knowledge and customer relationship skills are essential.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 £ per year.

Passionate about horticulture? Looking for a role where you can grow your skills and get involved in plant buying? If you've got strong plant knowledge and want a hands-on role where you can develop into a plant buyer, this could be the perfect next step for you.

Salary of ~£30,000 DOE

  • Full-time, permanent role with a weekend rota
  • Generous staff discount
  • 28 days holiday (inc. bank holidays), increasing with service
  • Access to a perks platform with discounts & wellbeing benefits
  • Company pension
  • The chance to become part of an employee-owned business (length of service applies)
  • Annual tax-free profit share (after qualifying period)
  • Supplier visits and future travel across the UK and Europe
  • A supportive, easy-going team with a great culture

What's the job? This is a hybrid role, and no two days will be the same. You'll learn directly from the Director on the buying side, gaining exposure to sourcing plants from the UK and Europe. You'll start by learning how the nursery operates: how stock arrives, how it's cared for, what good quality looks like, and how the business works across the seasons. Once you've got a feel for the nursery, you'll gradually take on buying responsibilities - starting small and building from there.

Day to day, you'll be:

  • Supporting nursery operations and learning the full product range
  • Advising customers and offering plant-based solutions to their challenges
  • Assisting the Director with plant buying and stock sourcing
  • Helping plan seasonal ranges and ensuring the right plants arrive at the right time
  • Working with the team to unload, check and merchandise new deliveries
  • Maintaining high standards across the nursery and shop floor
  • Processing customer sales through the till and supporting retail operations
  • Collaborating closely with the Nursery Manager and wider team

This is not a desk-based buying job. It's hands-on, practical and customer-focused, with buying responsibilities increasing as your confidence grows. This could be from working in garden centres, commercial growing or plant maintenance.

A genuine interest in plant buying and supplier relationships

Confidence speaking to customers and building relationships

Ability to juggle tasks - you might be writing an order one minute and helping a customer the next

Reliability and a willingness to get stuck into whatever needs doing

For an informal chat, please call me, Sarah on 01780 480530, email, or message me on LinkedIn.

Trainee Procurement Officer / Buyer (Permanent) employer: MorePeople

Join a thriving employee-owned business in Twyford, Berkshire, where your passion for horticulture can flourish. With a supportive team culture, generous benefits including a competitive salary, staff discounts, and opportunities for travel across the UK and Europe, this role offers a unique chance to grow your skills in plant buying while enjoying a hands-on, dynamic work environment. You'll receive mentorship directly from experienced professionals, ensuring your development as you take on increasing responsibilities in a vibrant nursery setting.
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Contact Detail:

MorePeople Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Procurement Officer / Buyer (Permanent)

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the company! Research their values, culture, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building connections can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to plant buying. Think about how your skills can benefit the nursery and be ready to share examples from your experience.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our awesome team!

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Procurement Officer / Buyer (Permanent)

Plant Knowledge
Customer Service Skills
Relationship Building
Attention to Detail
Time Management
Team Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability
Hands-on Practical Skills
Stock Management
Communication Skills
Sales Processing
Operational Support

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Plants: When you're writing your application, let your love for horticulture shine through! Share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have about plants, as this will show us that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Highlight any hands-on experience you've had in plant buying or related fields, and explain how your skills align with what we're looking for.

Be Yourself: We want to get to know the real you! Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. A friendly and approachable tone can go a long way in making a great first impression.

Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us quickly and easily, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application and can start the process of getting to know you better!

How to prepare for a job interview at MorePeople

✨Know Your Plants

Brush up on your plant knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss different types of plants, their care requirements, and any recent trends in horticulture. This will show your passion for the role and help you connect with the interviewers.

✨Show Your Hands-On Experience

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've worked directly with plants or in a customer-facing role. Whether it's volunteering at a garden centre or helping friends with their gardens, these stories will highlight your practical skills and enthusiasm for the job.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Come prepared with questions about the nursery operations and the buying process. Inquire about how they source their plants or what challenges they face in the industry. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you.

✨Demonstrate Team Spirit

Since this role involves working closely with a team, be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others. Share examples of how you've contributed to a team environment in the past, and express your excitement about being part of a supportive culture.

Trainee Procurement Officer / Buyer (Permanent)
MorePeople

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