What’s it all about then?

As a trainee buyer you’ll be working in the purchasing department and report to the Buyer and other senior staff.

You’ll spend a lot of your time working to understand the processes that your company uses so that you gain a complete knowledge of the needs of others and become fully aware of the importance of buying to the success of the business.

In order to hone your skills, you will probably be given one or more accounts that are non business critical; this will permit you to gain valuable experience.

You’ll also be involved with research into alternative product sourcing and competitor pricing which will also broaden your knowledge of the buying role.

What might I be doing?

Your job as trainee buyer will likely include most of the following responsibilities:

• Ensuring all materials are purchased on time, to specification, and at the best price available
• Managing a range of suppliers in conjunction with the buyer
• Developing long term contractual relationships
• Liaising with planning and production staff to understand the business
• Coordinating deliveries and maintaining suitable stock levels of your products
• Researching alternative suppliers and competitor prices
• Learning to budget and forecast accurately
• Being part of team that attends various events

What will be expected of me?

You’ll be expected to learn the job quickly and become an effective member of the company buying team.

You’ll need to be a highly organised and confident individual who enjoys spending time dealing with people.

Although you’re a trainee you’ll be given a lot of responsibility quite early so that you can learn your job.

You’ll have to learn to cope with working in a highly pressurised environment very quickly.

What can I expect?

You’ll be office based but will spend a lot of time with staff around the company as you gain understanding of how the business systems work and how your decisions can impact others.

You’ll start off working typical office hours and a 40 hour week, although this can depend on the requirements of your employer.

What about the pay?

A graduate trainee buyer will likely commence on whatever the company’s agreed rate of pay is for these roles.

For this reason a figure of £17,500 and upwards should be expected.

What qualifications do I need to get in?

You will have most likely entered the company as a graduate and started life in the buying department as a trainee. For a food company, business and food related degrees are much sought after by employers but previous buying experience in food might also be helpful.