Apprentice Buyer - Advanced (Level 3)

Macfarlane Group PLC is the UK’s largest packaging distributor and we are seeking to hire an apprentice Buyer to join our procurement team at our site in Reading. We are eager to welcome a new colleague into our local team and help them to develop and flourish within the business, the aim being to secure a permanent contract.

Responsibilities

What will the apprentice be doing?

· Administrative tasks to support the buying team, covering:

· Sourcing and negotiating with existing suppliers

· Managing performance of the supplier base

· Supporting tenders, product enquiries and ad-hoc project work

· Purchasing of standard and non-standard stock items

· Carrying out supplier benchmarking activities

· Reporting and statistical analysis

· Supporting stock control and administration activities

What training will the apprentice take and what qualification will the apprentice get at the end?

On the job training (office based, learning our systems/processes, customers and products, shadowing others within procurement team etc. We are underpinning this opportunity with the new 'level 3' Procurement & Supply Assistant standard which will ordinarily involve attendance of a regional study centre (in Southampton) approx 18 times during the 18 month programme (plus to sit all exams), however during the pandemic, all learning is delivered virtually. Succesful completion leads to CIPS diploma

What is the expected career progression after this apprenticeship?

We as a business actively promote personal development long term and would favour someone wishing to build on their experience and learning with additional CIPS affiliated study. So standards at level 4 (or 6) is an option at a later date. As a large multi-site organisation we regularly have new opportunities for job role changes within the procurement function and indeed in other areas of the business if someone fancies a change of focus.

Skills Required

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Team working, Initiative, Patience

Qualifications Required

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade 4) Desired
GCSE or equivalent Mathematics (Grade 4) Desired