MorePeople
Ipswich, Suffolk
Jan 08, 2026
Full time
What Will I Be Doing? As a Trainee Buyer you will be supporting the purchasing team in sourcing and procuring plants and associated materials that meet the company's quality, cost, and sustainability standards. This role provides hands-on training and development in all aspects of the buying process, from supplier liaison and stock management to market research and product selection. What Will My Responsibilities Be? Assist in the sourcing and purchasing of plants, growing media, tools, packaging, and other associated materials. Liaise with suppliers to obtain quotations, confirm pricing, and ensure timely delivery of goods. Assist with purchase negotiations to ensure keenest price and best payment terms are achieved, and where appropriate retrospective rebate opportunities are secured. Build lasting supplier relationships, communicating on a regular basis. Support in maintaining accurate purchasing records, order documentation, and supplier databases. Monitor stock levels and assist in forecasting requirements based on seasonal demand and business needs. Help evaluate supplier performance and identify opportunities for improvement or cost savings. Conduct market research to identify new suppliers, products, and trends within the horticultural industry. Work closely with the operations, production, and sales teams to ensure purchasing aligns with business priorities. Ensure wastage/supplier claims for assigned suppliers are being followed through and credits are coming in. Be aware of surplus and shortages of products, liaising with suppliers and Sales Teams to minimise wastage and overstocks. Provide general administrative support to the Purchasing team, including preparing reports and data entry. Visit trade shows as agreed with line manager and identify potential new sectors/product lines. What Do I Need? To excel in this role, you should possess the following skills and experience: The ideal candidate knows how to select products that meet high horticultural standards and suit both consumer and commercial clients. Able to apply clear, structured criteria when evaluating suppliers and product samples, from plants to tools and garden accessories, to ensure they meet agreed standards. Demonstrates strong attention to detail, maintaining accuracy across purchase orders, delivery schedules, and product specifications to keep operations seamless. Committed to partnering with suppliers who uphold sustainable and ethical practices in sourcing, packaging, and labour. Builds trust through open and transparent communication with suppliers and internal teams about pricing, availability, and challenges. Ensures all procurement activities comply with company policies and industry regulations, maintaining high ethical and legal standards. Brings genuine enthusiasm for horticulture, garden trends, and innovations that enhance the customer experience. Proactively seeks out new suppliers and product opportunities that align with customer needs and company values, contributing to a dynamic and inspiring product range. About the Client Our client is a leading horticultural and garden business with a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and customer care. With a diverse portfolio of trusted brands, they serve both consumer and trade markets, offering everything from plants and seeds to garden tools, accessories, and outdoor living products. What's Next? For an informal chat, please call me, Rae on (phone number removed) or email (url removed) or send me a message on LinkedIn. RG20710
