Apprentice Buyer

NG Bailey Group Limited; Leeds; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering and services firm is seeking an Apprentice Buyer to support procurement activities for various projects. The candidate will assist with purchasing materials, ensuring timely delivery, and supporting supplier performance tracking. Applicants should have GCSEs in relevant subjects and an A Level in STEM. The role offers training through top providers and aims for CIPS membership, making it a great opportunity for those keen to learn in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the purchase of materials and equipment for projects.
• Support cost tracking, forecasting, and basic project reporting.
• Monitor supplier performance against agreed KPIs.
• Conduct market analysis and evaluate costs against industry standards.
• Manage relationships with stakeholders and suppliers.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Problem solving skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Logical thinking

Team working

Initiative

Excellent timekeeping

Education

GCSEs in English, Maths, Science, and other subjects (grade C/4)

A Level in STEM (grade C or above)

Job description

Overview

NG Bailey is offering an 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. 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
• Interpreting business requirements by assessing the demand for the product or service
• Undertaking market analysis to establish potential routes to market
• Conducting benchmarking to evaluate costs against industry standards
• Preparing or contributing to the drafting of a sourcing plan which meets business needs, including corporate social responsibility factors
• Using the organisation's documentation designed for commercial procurement processes for the supply of goods and services
• Notifying potential suppliers of proposal requirements
• Using selection and award criteria to source requirements from external suppliers
• Analysing the financial implications of decisions and identifying cost-saving opportunities
• Liaising and negotiating with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of purchased goods and services
• Supporting contract award and briefing of suppliers in line with the organisation's processes and governance
• Monitoring and managing contract performance to meet time, costs, service, and quality objectives
• Managing contract performance and advising suppliers on any areas for improvement
• Maintaining contract documentation such as change control and version control
• Using IT and software to produce spreadsheets and presentation packages to communicate information
• Identifying, raising, and facilitating discussions with stakeholders to resolve issues or risks
• Analysing sustainability challenges and risks at each stage of the product or contract life cycle
• Managing information in accordance with policy and processes
• Continuously reviewing work processes to identify and eliminate inefficiencies and simplify workflow
• Using available systems and tools to identify relevant data
• Interpreting, analysing, and evaluating data to drive actionable intelligence and support decision making
• Using horizon scanning to identify future changes in procurement and contracting
• Managing relationships with stakeholders

Training and qualifications

• You will train at one of the top performing colleges or training providers in the country
• Level 4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner apprenticeship
• Work towards CIPS membership
• Block release at college/training provider
• You will regularly attend in-house training and development as part of the programme

Academic requirements

• GCSEs in English (grade C/4 or above), Maths (grade C/4 or above), Science (grade C/4 or above), Other (grade C/4 or above)
• A Level in STEM (grade C or above)

Other requirements

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Problem solving skills
• Numerical skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical thinking
• Team working
• Initiative
• Excellent timekeeping
• Are keen to learn
• Safety conscious
• Work indoors, outdoors and occasionally at height
• Be prepared for early starts and travel away from home when necessary

NG Bailey is the UK's leading independent engineering and services business. Our vision is 'to be the best - creating exceptional environments for present and future generations'. We work across a variety of sectors within the building and infrastructure industry, and our innovative, responsible and forward-thinking approach allows us to work on groundbreaking projects. Our company has two divisions, Engineering and Services, which together we bring buildings and infrastructure to life.