It’s purchasing on a huge scale. And the work that goes on here has a real, and very visible, impact on the success of the overall organisation. You could find yourself sourcing new technology to enhance our production lines, negotiating new payment terms to deliver huge cost savings, or scouring the world to find new and better suppliers. And when it comes to working with suppliers, it’s not just about finding the cheapest. It’s about finding ways to get added value for the business; developing partnerships that deliver benefits above and beyond the standard contract.
Programme structure
You’ll carry out two twelve-month placements. Each one aiming to build on your skills, provide you with increasing levels of responsibility, and broaden your expertise across the buying function. One placement might involve working with external advertising agencies to provide our marketing team with the resources they need to create exciting new advertising campaigns. On another you may be tasked with buying new forms of technology to enhance our R&D capabilities. Either way, you’ll be driving your own projects, determining your own strategy, and building your own network of contacts (both internally and externally) to deliver the right goods at the right price.
Ultimately, where you go within the function, and what you end up working on, will depend on two things: your development needs and the needs of the business. The roles you’ll be doing will be real jobs with real deliverables. This isn’t about shadowing someone, or ploughing away on specially created ‘graduate projects’. You’ll be an integral member of the buying team, and your responsibilities will reflect that.
Support
We’re not here to hold your hand; we’ll expect you to lead your own development. But that’s not to say we’ll simply throw you in at the deep end and wait to see if you sink or swim. You’ll have a strong support network behind you. This will include experienced line managers (who’ll guide you through each placement) and an overall mentor who’ll help you put together your personal development plan, and be on hand to offer advice throughout your time on the programme.
In terms of reviews, you’ll have regular catch-ups with your line manager to help you track your progress. You’ll also have a formal get together at the end of each placement (with your line manager, mentor and other senior managers) that will record your achievements, and inform where you go next within the business.
Culture
Our core purpose, if you like, is to add value to the business. So we’re very proactive. No one sits around waiting for things to happen. We’re regularly out and about, popping in to different Mars sites and visiting suppliers. We take our sourcing responsibilities very seriously, so environmental sustainability is a big priority.We also have the freedom to drive our own agenda and explore new ways of doing things, and we don’t waste it. If you’re looking for a comfortable nine-to-five buying role, where you spend most of your time tucked up behind a desk, this isn’t it.
Who are we looking for?
First and foremost, we want people who are interested in buying. People who share our desire to secure the best deal for the business. That doesn’t require a specific degree or background, just a talent for problem solving, strong planning skills, a willingness to learn, and the conviction to make decisions and stand by them.
Working in Procurement pays £29,000 incl. bonus. Bought into becoming a Buyer? Apply here
