Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Buying Team in materials procurement and project management.
- Company: Join Watkin Jones Group, a leading developer in residential homes.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, hybrid working, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience and make a real impact from day one.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; enthusiasm and willingness to learn are key.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Are you organised, curious, and ready to learn? We are looking for a motivated Trainee to join our Buying Team and build a strong foundation in procurement within a fast-paced construction environment. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who wants hands-on experience, structured development and the chance to make a real impact from day one.
What you will be doing:
- Support the team across the full materials procurement process, helping ensure our projects have what they need, when they need it.
- Maintain and update our procurement schedule, attend meetings, take notes and follow up on actions.
- Work closely with the Buying Team, providing both administrative and technical support, while processing material requisitions in line with our delegation thresholds.
- Issue enquiries to suppliers and prepare simple cost comparisons to support decision making.
- Raise and upload purchase orders, help schedule material quantities from drawings, and keep data accurate across our procurement logs and supplier databases.
- Assist in gathering competitive supplier quotations, supporting negotiations on cost, performance and lead times.
- Visit construction sites to discuss material queries with teams and meet suppliers to help build strong working relationships.
- Get involved in any additional tasks needed to support the smooth running of the Buying function.
Who we are looking for:
- No prior procurement experience is needed; although any exposure to a construction environment or an interest in the sector would be an advantage.
- Enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are most important.
- Confidence using IT systems, comfort working with numbers, well-organised, detail-focused and enjoy communicating with others.
You will receive full training from an experienced team, gain exposure to real projects and live supplier engagement, and have opportunities to visit construction sites to see firsthand how your work contributes to successful delivery. Most importantly, you will join a supportive environment where your development truly matters.
Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?
Watkin Jones Group is the UK's leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With over 54,000 homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management. Joining us means becoming part of a company that is not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We are committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development.
At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here is what we can offer you:
- Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), hybrid working arrangements, and discounted gym memberships.
- Wellbeing: Access to ‘Your Wellbeing' programme & OpenUp – a confidential wellbeing platform.
- Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
- Benefits: Exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
This is an opportunity to take on a high-impact role within a forward-thinking company. In return, we offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and the chance to work on major projects that shape the built environment.
Trainee Buyer in Chester employer: Watkin Jones
Contact Detail:
Watkin Jones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Buyer in Chester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the construction and procurement sectors on LinkedIn. Join relevant groups, engage in discussions, and don’t be shy about asking for advice or insights. You never know who might have a lead on a Trainee Buyer position!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent developments in the construction industry. This will help you show genuine interest and make a great impression when you chat with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Trainee Buyer, you'll need to liaise with suppliers and team members. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Watkin Jones Group. Let’s get you started on this exciting journey together!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Buyer in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Enthusiasm: We want to see your passion for the role! Make sure to express your eagerness to learn and grow within the procurement field. A little enthusiasm goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Take the time to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight any relevant skills or experiences, even if they’re not directly related to procurement. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do!
Be Organised and Detail-Focused: Since the role requires strong organisational skills, make sure your application reflects that. Keep your documents neat, check for typos, and ensure everything is easy to read. It shows us you pay attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, take some time to research Watkin Jones Group and their projects. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent developments in the construction sector. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you ask insightful questions during the interview.
✨Show Your Organisational Skills
As a Trainee Buyer, being organised is key. Prepare a few examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed tasks or projects. Highlight how you kept everything on track, as this will demonstrate your ability to handle the varied responsibilities of the role.
✨Be Ready to Learn
Since they’re looking for someone eager to learn, be prepared to discuss how you approach new challenges. Share instances where you’ve taken the initiative to learn something new, whether it’s through coursework, hobbies, or previous jobs. This will resonate well with their focus on development.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is crucial in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. During the interview, make sure to listen actively and respond thoughtfully. This will showcase your ability to engage with team members and suppliers, which is essential for building strong working relationships.