Buyer (Trainee)

Overview:MacTaggart Scott is excited to welcome a motivated Trainee Buyer to our team. In this role, you'll receive valuable on-the-job training and development as you take on responsibility for sourcing, managing, and delivering goods and services on time, within budget, and to high-quality standards. You'll have the chance to build strong relationships with both internal teams and external suppliers, support important business reviews, and contribute to analysis that helps guide decision-making. Key to the role are ensuring compliance with company policies, supporting audits, and keeping procurement data accurate. We're looking for someone with a positive, ‘can-do' attitude who enjoys problem-solving, collaborating with others, and pays close attention to detail while managing their time effectively. Full on-the-job training and support will be provided to help you develop the skills needed to succeed in this entry-level role.About us:MacTaggart Scott primarily supports the Naval Defence industry, providing complete solutions to customer needs from analysis of initial customer requirements, to design and manufacture, and right through to commissioning and through life support. Established in 1898, we are proud of our history and tradition but believe that sustainable competitive advantage can only be achieved through continuous improvement, investment, and a commitment to business excellence at every level within the company.RequirementsKey Responsibilities will include: Support the delivery of the Procurement and Supply Chain Strategy to help achieve company goals. Maintain proactive cross-functional relationships (e.g., Production Planning, Goods In, Quality) to align stock and order planning with business needs. Assist in achieving company-wide material rationalisation objectives. Participate in contract award activities, including preparing, issuing, and analysing quotations. Raise and maintain purchase orders. Support supplier negotiations and review contractual terms. Assist in developing and maintaining category management plans under management guidance. Ensure export/import compliance in collaboration with the Trade Compliance team. Maintain accurate procurement data in ERP and other systems to support supplier, contract, and bid management. Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and reporting requirements. Manage the order book and execute requisitions to support project schedules. Collaborate with buyers to provide commodity management expertise, identifying supply chain risks and opportunities. Attend and support internal meetings such as project updates, bid reviews, and planning sessions. Support supplier management by monitoring performance metrics and helping implement improvement plansEssential Requirements:Strong quantitative and analytical skillsEffective communication skills (written, oral and presentation)Previous experience in use of ERP systemsCompetency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Project, and PowerPointBe able to work positively and collaboratively with the wider stakeholder community, both internal and external. Good standard of school / college education or CIPS Level 3Be able to pro-actively and effectively prioritise and execute tasks in a high-pressure environment and deliver resultsHave self-discipline, motivation, the ability to organise your workload and overcome problems as they ariseThe successful candidate must hold or be able to meet the appropriate Security Clearance as required.Desirable:Contract and supplier management awarenessSupply chain principles and techniquesUnderstanding of stock ordering systems and ordering modelsExperience of outsourcing supply managementBenefitsYour future at MacTaggart Scott - What we offerAs part of our Healthy Work-Life Balance employees can choose between a 4- or 5-day working week. Allowing you to fit work around your priorities and personal life, not the other way roundWe offer flexible working hours between 07:00 and 19:00, and core hours of 09:30 - 15:30Our leave policy brings together leave entitlements which include annual leave, paid parental leave, military reservist leave, plus moreWe will provide you with a supportive and engaging environment where you can grow your career, with a dedicated Learning and Development teamWe're committed to your wellbeing with access to our comprehensive online wellbeing program, Employee Assistance Programme, and an onsite nurse to support you when neededEnjoy the convenience of an onsite canteen, free parking, and a secure cycle-to-work scheme to make your daily routine easierWe also offer a generous company pension plan, exclusive employee discounts, and free flu vaccinations to help you stay healthyIn addition, our comprehensive health & wellbeing programme is here to support you, along with life insurance for peace of mind and sick pay to help you when you need it most