Trainee Buyer (Apprenticeship or Graduate Route Available)
Location: Alconbury
Start your career in buying
Westland are looking for a Trainee Buyer to join our Procurement Team. You'll join our Procurement Team and learn how products get from an idea to the shelf. Working alongside experienced buyers, you'll help source products, work with suppliers, analyse trends and gain valuable business skills that can kick-start your career.
Whether you are leaving school or college, looking for an apprenticeship, or starting your career after graduation, this role gives you the chance to learn how buying, procurement and supply chain work in a real manufacturing business.
What is buying?
Buying is all about choosing the right products, finding the best suppliers and making smart decisions that help a business run smoothly. In this role, you will learn how products get from an idea to the shelf, how prices are compared, how suppliers are managed and how businesses make choices that affect cost, quality and sustainability. You do not need to know everything about procurement before you start — if you are curious, organised and enjoy solving problems, this is a great way to learn while building a real career.
What you will do:
- Learn how to compare products, prices and suppliers.
- Help manage relationships with suppliers from across the UK and overseas.
- Use data and market information to support buying decisions.
- Work on projects focused on sustainability, packaging and product development.
- Gain experience using business systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365.
- Support the team in finding cost-saving opportunities and improving ways of working.
Requirements
- Educated to A- Level Standard
- Analytical, commercially minded and confident working with data.
- Excellent attention to detail and a high level of accuracy.
- Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Well organised with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Confident communicator who can build positive relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Proactive, inquisitive and keen to learn.
- Any experience gained through part-time work, projects, work experience, manufacturing or commercial environments would be beneficial, but full training will be provided.
What you will gain:
- Hands-on experience in buying, procurement and supply chain.
- The opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in a supportive team.
- Valuable skills in negotiation, supplier management, data analysis and commercial decision-making.
- Experience working with suppliers and colleagues across different areas of the business.
- Training on industry systems and processes, including Microsoft Dynamics 365.
- The opportunity to work towards a recognised professional qualification such as CIPS (apprenticeship route).
- Clear opportunities to progress and build a long-term career in buying and procurement.
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Canteen
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Private medical insurance
- Store discount
Education:
- A-Level or equivalent (preferred)
Work Location: In person
