Trainee Assistant Buyer Apprenticeship

FOREMAN HOMES LTD

Whiteley (PO15 7AX)

Closes in 23 days (Monday 9 March 2026)

Posted on 9 February 2026

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Summary

The main function of this role is to support and assist the procurement team in the selection, specifying and purchasing of quality goods and materials. The post holder is a key member of the Commercial Team and will ensure that they align their job role with departmental strategies and changing business dynamics or goals of the Group.

• Wage:

  £17,500 a year

  Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

  N/A

• Training course: Buying and merchandising assistant (level 4)
• Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8.00am - 5.00pm and Friday, 8.00am - 4.00pm. 30 minute lunch break each day.

  41 hours 30 minutes a week

• Start date:

  Monday 6 April 2026

• Duration:

  1 year 6 months

• Positions available:

  1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Duties include:

• Undertake buying of goods and materials according to the purchasing policy and instructions as directed and given
• Raise purchase orders and record material and plant orders using the purchasing systems
• Manage the relationship with suppliers to ensure Foreman Homes achieves maximum benefit on cost and service from chosen and prospective suppliers
• Attend supplier meetings as requested to assist in the negotiation of rates, costs, agreements, quality of products and fix deals
• Assist with the quantifying of materials from drawings and data provided
• Maintain a register of plant, small tools hired in for each project, to ensure hiring costs are minimised and kept within budget
• Send out enquiries to suppliers via email and monitor returned quotations and compiling comparisons for scrutiny
• Develop and maintain relationships with key internal and external customers
• Liaise with other departments to understand all necessary aspects and needs for operational development
• Report to the Senior Buyer timely and accurate reporting as requested by them, either on a regular or ad hoc basis
• Any other tasks deemed reasonable and relevant within the Commercial department

Where you'll work

Yarmouth House
1300 Parkway
Whiteley
PO15 7AX

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

SCL EDUCATION & TRAINING LIMITED

Training course

Buying and merchandising assistant (level 4)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

• Uses their market/industry knowledge to contribute to new product development and innovation
• Contributes to the building of customer focused ranges to meet the brand identity of the business
• Ensures product quality and legal compliance by working within industry standards, regulations and legislation to source, purchase and sell goods
• Ensures accurate implementation of the critical path prioritising actions accordingly
• Negotiates in a manner that balances the need for a sound financial return, with the need to operate ethically, honestly and fairly
• Monitors agreed performance targets with suppliers to manage ongoing supplier relationships
• Applies the organisation strategy to buying and/or merchandising to ensure strategic objectives are met
• Applies an ethical and sustainable approach to the buying and merchandising process in line with policies and procedures to achieve legal compliance
• Ensures the agreed route to market is delivered and maintained successfully so that objectives are met
• Works with external and internal departments (for example, marketing, distribution, suppliers) to build relationships to drive sales activity and support the delivery of the business objectives across all channels
• Uses data to support decisions to influence both the strategic and operational direction of the buying and/or merchandising approach.
• Demonstrates accurate application of systems in analysing data (for example, customer trends, buying patterns, stock rotation and levels)
• Evaluates commercial performance to support proposed actions for both good and poor product performers
• Demonstrates anticipation of customer buying and product patterns to forecast future demand
• Articulates relevant ideas and opinions towards trends and competitor activity so that opportunities may be identified
• Applies customer profile/trend data to inform the development of a range, products and services
• Formulates and communicates customer propositions
• Develops self and individuals to improve personal and team performance and capability
• Demonstrates commercial buying and merchandising within a financial framework
• Operates in a manner that produces the required financial rate of return for the business
• Coaches and mentors new/less experienced colleagues
• Analyses and presents business data to support achievement of business strategies, brand and KPIs
• Ensures effective stock management to support the delivery of the sales and profit forecasts
• Uses their market/industry knowledge to contribute to new product development and innovation
• Contributes to the building of customer focused ranges to meet the brand identity of the business
• Ensures product quality and legal compliance by working within industry standards, regulations and legislation to source, purchase and sell goods
• Ensures accurate implementation of the critical path prioritising actions accordingly
• Negotiates in a manner that balances the need for a sound financial return, with the need to operate ethically, honestly and fairly
• Monitors agreed performance targets with suppliers to manage ongoing supplier relationships
• Applies the organisation strategy to buying and/or merchandising to ensure strategic objectives are met
• Applies an ethical and sustainable approach to the buying and merchandising process in line with policies and procedures to achieve legal compliance
• Ensures the agreed route to market is delivered and maintained successfully so that objectives are met
• Works with external and internal departments (for example, marketing, distribution, suppliers) to build relationships to drive sales activity and support the delivery of the business objectives across all channels
• Uses data to support decisions to influence both the strategic and operational direction of the buying and/or merchandising approach.
• Demonstrates accurate application of systems in analysing data (for example, customer trends, buying patterns, stock rotation and levels)
• Evaluates commercial performance to support proposed actions for both good and poor product performers
• Demonstrates anticipation of customer buying and product patterns to forecast future demand
• Articulates relevant ideas and opinions towards trends and competitor activity so that opportunities may be identified
• Applies customer profile/trend data to inform the development of a range, products and services
• Formulates and communicates customer propositions
• Develops self and individuals to improve personal and team performance and capability
• Demonstrates commercial buying and merchandising within a financial framework
• Operates in a manner that produces the required financial rate of return for the business
• Coaches and mentors new/less experienced colleagues

Training schedule

The apprentice will receive full on the job training from the employer as well as 20% off the job training, they will also have a full wrap around service from SCL

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

• Maths (grade 4)
• English (grade 4)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Attention to detail
• Customer care skills
• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills

Other requirements

Person specification Good mathematical knowledge Ability to work as part of a team Confident telephone manner Ability to problem solve and resolve complex issues effectively Excellent verbal and communication skills Be self-directed whilst also able to follow instructions Excellent knowledge of Microsoft products including Windows and Office 365 An understanding of construction, materials, plant and tools used. Ideally due to location of offices as limited buses to our office location. The nearest train station, Swanwick, is about 2 miles from the office. 21 days holiday plus bank holidays Death in service scheme Free parking Dress down Fridays

About this employer

Family owned company – friendly working environment

After this apprenticeship

• The apprentice can move on to a Level 6 qualification, once they have completed their Level 4 apprenticeship

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

SCL EDUCATION & TRAINING LIMITED

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000013657.

Apply now

Closes in 23 days (Monday 9 March 2026)

After signing in, you’ll apply for this apprenticeship on the company's website.