At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Procurement team as a Trainee Buyer and gain hands-on experience in sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Company: Short Brothers, a Boeing Company, known for innovative aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £30,000, flexible hours, generous holidays, and professional development.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement while studying towards a recognised degree-level qualification.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs and 2 A-levels required; strong communication and analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Opportunity to progress to Senior Buyer with clear career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
A unique and exciting opportunity to gain hands-on experience in procurement and supply chain operations while studying towards a recognised degree-level qualification (CIPS). Salary starting at £30,000 and progressing to a minimum of £40,000 after successful completion of a 3-year training programme.
This role is at Short Brothers, a Boeing Company, a subsidiary comprising aerospace manufacturing programmes and capabilities, research, development and engineering services, and aftermarket business. At Short Brothers, we do work that matters — and we do it together. Our teams design, build and support advanced aerostructures, space and defence solutions, with safety, quality and trust at the heart of everything we do. People are respected, ideas listened to, and good work is recognised. We offer real career paths, flexibility where possible, and the opportunity to work on innovative projects that keep aircraft flying and help shape what comes next.
Benefits:
- Flexibility, a 36-hour working week (half day Friday)
- Generous holidays
- Range of flexible schedules
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
- Generous life cover and company occupational sick scheme
- On-site Occupational Health Department
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional development and growth with clear advancement
- Coaching, mentoring and opportunity for advancement
- Free car parking
- Enhanced maternity pay
Responsibilities:
Join our Procurement team as a Trainee Buyer and gain experience in performing Global Sourcing, commercial and contractual activities focusing on price, contract terms and conditions, quality and technical specifications across a number of commodities. As a Trainee Buyer, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to real-world projects across the business. Responsibilities will include:
- Supporting sourcing strategies for critical components and services
- Assisting with supplier negotiations, contract reviews, and performance tracking
- Analysing cost structures and identifying value opportunities
- Collaborating with engineering, operations, and finance teams to align procurement with production goals
- Learning to manage risks, compliance, and sustainability in the supply chain
- Participating in supplier audits and readiness reviews
- Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and digital procurement tools
In addition to your internal development, you will also receive full professional support to study at Belfast Metropolitan College one day a week during work hours to achieve a professional procurement qualification through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). Upon successful completion of the training programme, you will become a Senior Buyer and continue to progress and develop within the Company.
Qualifications:
Essential Candidate Requirements:
- Minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualification) including Maths and English
- Minimum of 2, preferably 3, A-level subjects at Grade C or above (or equivalent qualification)
- Strong communication skills
- Demonstrated experience of using Microsoft Office
- Analytical Skills
Desirable Candidate Requirements:
- 1 x A level or equivalent in Business related subject
- Experienced in a relevant customer focused field
Completed applications must be submitted by Tuesday 31st March 2026 at 4pm. We employ people from all sections of the community and are committed to the appointment of the best candidate based upon the merit principle alone. In pursuit of our equal opportunities programme, we would particularly welcome more applications from Catholics and females, as these groups are currently under-represented in our workforce.
Trainee Buyer in Belfast employer: Spirit AeroSystems
Contact Detail:
Spirit AeroSystems Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Buyer in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those at Short Brothers or similar companies. Attend industry events or webinars to make connections and learn more about what they look for in a Trainee Buyer.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching common questions for procurement roles. Practice your answers with a friend or in front of the mirror. Show off your analytical skills and how you can contribute to sourcing strategies!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Trainee Buyer role. We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it’s a great way to showcase your interest in our company culture!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Buyer in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Trainee Buyer role. Highlight any relevant experience, skills, and qualifications that match what we're looking for. This shows us you're serious about the position and understand what it entails.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your background makes you a great fit. Keep it concise but engaging – we want to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your analytical and communication skills in your application. We value these traits highly, especially in a collaborative environment like ours. Give examples of how you've used these skills in past experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you'll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Spirit AeroSystems
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on key procurement concepts and terminology. Understanding terms like 'global sourcing', 'contract negotiations', and 'supply chain management' will show that you're serious about the role and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Trainee Buyer, analytical skills are crucial. Prepare examples of how you've used data to make decisions or solve problems in past experiences. This could be from school projects or part-time jobs—anything that highlights your ability to analyse cost structures or identify value opportunities.
✨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share specific instances where you worked with others to achieve a common goal, especially in contexts related to engineering or finance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's procurement strategies or their approach to sustainability in the supply chain. This not only shows your interest in the role but also demonstrates that you’re thinking critically about how you can fit into their team and contribute to their goals.