Graduate Commercial Trainee - Supplier Relations

Bridgewater Resources UK; Stretford; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Uncapped bonus

Full training

Company pension

Job summary

Bridgewater Resources UK in Trafford Park, Manchester, is offering a Graduate Commercial Trainee position in supplier relations, purchasing and procurement. You will gain hands-on experience across supplier management, stock control and commercial analysis, with full training and mentoring from an experienced Commercial Manager. This is a pathway to develop a long-term career in renewables distribution, with UK-wide supplier exposure and progressive responsibility.

Qualifications

• Degree in business, economics, supply chain management or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with data interpretation.
• Good Excel skills and comfortable with numerical information.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Commercially minded with a proactive attitude and eagerness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop relationships with suppliers across the UK and internationally.
• Assist purchasing and procurement activities including product sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Monitor stock levels to help maintain product availability.
• Use Microsoft Excel to analyse sales, purchasing and stock data for trends.
• Support commercial reporting and supplier performance analysis.
• Collaborate with sales, purchasing and operations to meet customer demand.
• Assist with projects to improve purchasing processes and commercial performance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Excel skills

Communication

Commercial mindset

Graduate

Education

Degree in business/economics/supply chain

Tools

Excel

Job description

Graduate Commercial Trainee - Supplier Relations, Purchasing & Procurement

Location: Trafford Park, Manchester

Salary: £31,000-£32,000 + uncapped bonus

A growing renewables business is looking for a commercially‑minded graduate to join its team as a Graduate Commercial Trainee, offering an excellent opportunity to develop a career in purchasing, procurement and supplier relationship management.

Part of a national group of electrical distribution businesses, the company supplies renewable energy products to trade customers across the UK, including solar PV systems, battery storage, inverters and EV charging equipment.

Working closely with the Commercial Manager, you'll gain hands‑on experience in supplier relationships, product purchasing, stock management and commercial analysis. This is an ideal opportunity for a graduate looking to develop their commercial skills and build a long‑term career in the renewable energy and distribution sectors.

The Role

As a Graduate Commercial Trainee, you'll support the day‑to‑day purchasing and commercial operations of the business, learning how supplier relationships, stock availability and product sourcing contribute to business performance.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Building and developing relationships with suppliers across the UK and internationally.
• Supporting purchasing and procurement activities, including product sourcing and supplier negotiations as your experience develops.
• Monitoring stock levels and helping to maintain product availability.
• Using Microsoft Excel to analyse sales, purchasing and stock data, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Assisting with commercial reporting and analysing supplier performance.
• Working closely with internal sales, purchasing and operations teams to ensure products are available to meet customer demand.
• Supporting the Commercial Manager with projects to improve purchasing processes and commercial performance.

What's on Offer?

• £31,000-£32,000 starting salary, plus an uncapped bonus.
• Full training and ongoing mentoring from an experienced Commercial Manager.
• The opportunity to develop valuable skills in purchasing, procurement, supplier management and commercial analysis.
• Excellent long‑term career development opportunities within an established distribution group.
• The chance to build a career in the growing renewable energy sector.
• Monday to Friday working hours, 8:00am-5:00pm.
• Company pension scheme.

Requirements

We're looking for an ambitious graduate who is keen to learn, develop their commercial knowledge and build a career in a business‑focused role.

• A degree, preferably in business, economics, supply chain management or a related subject.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and identify trends.
• Good Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with numerical information.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships.
• A commercially minded approach, with an interest in how businesses operate and grow.
• A proactive attitude, attention to detail and a willingness to learn.

Previous experience in purchasing or procurement isn't essential. We're particularly interested in graduates who can demonstrate commercial awareness, analytical ability and the motivation to develop their skills.

If you're a graduate looking to start your career in commercial management, purchasing or procurement, this is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience and develop within a growing business