Apprentice Buyer in Salford

As the UK’s largest independent engineering and services business, our innovative, responsible and forward-thinking approach has enabled us to work on fantastic ground-breaking projects, providing innovative solutions using the latest tools and technologies. Our values of Passion, Integrity, Responsibility and Excellence form the foundation of our company and guide the way we work and behave.

At NG Bailey, we recognise the importance of having apprentices in our workforce. Our industry-leading approach develops the behaviours, skills, knowledge, and experience our apprentices need to build a successful career. We work in partnership with a national network of colleges to offer some of the best training in the industry. Apprenticeships are available for anyone over 16 years of age. They offer you the opportunity to earn a wage and work full time in your chosen trade area. This means you develop your skills in a real working environment from day one and are able to put the skills you learn at college directly into practice at work.

Are you looking to kick-start a career in procurement within a major engineering business? NG Bailey, one of the UK’s largest independent engineering and services companies, is offering an exciting opportunity to join our Engineering procurement team as an Apprentice Buyer. You’ll support the delivery of mechanical and electrical building services projects, from commercial offices to complex infrastructure and energy projects. This is a hands-on role where you’ll learn on the job, supported by experienced professionals and formal training towards a nationally recognised qualification.

The role: During your apprenticeship you’ll learn how to support the procurement and supply chain activities for major mechanical and electrical projects. This will include:

• Assisting with the purchase of materials, equipment and services
• Helping to ensure materials are ordered, delivered and available on site in line with project programmes
• Working closely with site teams to support smooth logistics and project progress
• Supporting cost tracking, forecasting and basic project reporting
• Assisting with supplier and contract administration
• Helping monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs such as cost, quality and delivery
• Supporting the management of commercial agreements, including tracking any agreed rebates, cost recoveries or savings agreements
• Using systems and spreadsheets to support buying and commercial decisions
• Attending supplier meetings, supply chain engagement events and performance reviews, helping build strong, collaborative relationships across the supply chain

You’ll gain exposure to real projects and gradually take on more responsibility as your skills grow. You will develop:

• An understanding of procurement and construction logistics
• How to work with suppliers and internal project teams to meet programme requirements
• How supplier performance is measured and improved using KPIs
• Basic commercial principles, including cost control, rebates and value recovery mechanisms
• Strong communication, organisation and IT skills
• Safe working practices within an engineering and construction environment

You’ll also work towards CIPS membership, setting you up for a long-term career in procurement.

We are looking for people who:

• Are keen to learn and build a career in procurement
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Are organised, reliable and able to follow instructions
• Can communicate clearly in writing and in person
• Share our values: Passion, Integrity, Responsibility and Excellence
• Are flexible and able to travel or work away from home when required

You will attend your academic training remotely to complete the Level 4 Procurement and Support Chain Practitioner apprenticeship and regularly attend in-house training and development as part of the programme.

To apply you need: 5 GCSEs (or equivalent) grade C/4 or above in English Language, Maths, Science and 2 other subjects. Plus, have achieved (or be predicted to achieve) 2x A Levels grade C (or equivalent such as BTEC Extended Diploma, Level 3 Diploma, Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship).

Please note, to be eligible for an apprenticeship you:

• Must be able to complete the apprenticeship within the required time, including the End-Point Assessment.
• Must have a valid and eligible residency status and the right to work in England.
• Must be ordinarily resident in the UK or its territories for at least 3 years before starting the apprenticeship.

Further eligibility details can be found online at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules. Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory eligibility checks.

Ready to apply? If you are applying for this role, take a look at our application hints and tips for guidance on what good looks like. We receive a lot of applications, find out how you can make yours stand out.

What happens next? If we like what we see on your application, you will be invited to undertake a telephone interview. If we then wish to progress your application further, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre at which we will shortlist for final interviews.

PLEASE NOTE THIS VACANCY MAY CLOSE BEFORE THE ADVERTISED CLOSING DATE IF A LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED. EARLY APPLICATION IS THEREFORE RECOMMENDED.

NG Bailey is an Equal Opportunities employer. All applicants will receive equal treatment within their application and selection process.