Junior Buyer Apprentice (Stockport / Manchester)

ABOUT CAF

Innovation is in our DNA - we thrive on pushing boundaries and adapting to new challenges with a flexible approach. Proud to be a global leader, our fast-paced growth provides exciting opportunities for our team and the community.

Committed to maintaining trains and trams, our mission is to enhance vehicle safety and reliability. Our ultimate goal is to deliver a comfortable, dependable, and sustainable commuting experience for all passengers.

Based out of multiple locations across the UK, our 24/7 operation means we’re always on hand to deliver reliable technical support. Utilising the latest digital technology, we strive to enhance dependability, helping people to get to where they need to be!

We wouldn’t be where we are without our people. Working together as a team, we strive to achieve great things while supporting each other to thrive along the way. We’re going places, so apply today and become part of our exciting journey.

Are you interested in developing your procurement and supply chain skills and experience? CAF Rail UK are looking for apprentices to join our Procurement & Supply Chain team and learn the day to day delivery of purchasing and supplier administrion activities across CAF Rail Services UK. Successful candidates will build the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to become a Junior Buyer within a professional procurement function.

About CAF Rail UK

CAF Rail UK is a world class leader in the international market for the design, manufacture, maintenance and supply of equipment and components for railway systems. With over 100 years of experience, you would be joining a global community, recognised for their versatility, flexibility and the ability to constantly adapt and innovate. Employing over 400 people at multiple locations across the UK, CAF are excited to be a growing organisation in the UK rail industry.

Built on excellence, trust and sustainability, CAF value innovative people who are passionate about working together as a team to contribute to the success of CAF and achieve great things. With CAF you can develop a rewarding career in the rail industry, where you can be proud of where you work and what you do. You will be a valued member of the team and supported to be your best within the CAF community.

Apprenticeship Summary

Annual salary:

£21,350 per annum.

Benefits:

CAF Rail UK offer generous annual leave, a Bike2Work scheme, generous pension contributions, access to a supportive Employee Assistance Programme, a health care cash plan, Company paid sick leave scheme, life assurance, and access to wealth management & financial workshops.

Working week:

Monday to Friday between the hours of 09:00 - 17:00. Total hours per week: 37.5 hours. 

Location:

The apprenticeship is to be completed through distance learning, supported by the practical training in the workplace from our procurement team. You will be based in both our head office, in Manchester and our Central Stores located in Stockport.

• The Apprentice Academy (Distance Learning)
• CAF: Spring Gardens, Manchester & Aurora Business Park, Stockport

Expected apprenticeship duration: 18 months

Apprenticeship start date: August 2026

Apprenticeship Level: Level 3 Procurement & Supply Assist

What will I be doing?

Supporting the Procurement & Supply Chain team in the day-to-day delivery of purchasing and supplier administration activites.  You will learn how to raise and manage purchase orders, support supplier performance, assist with expediting, maintain procurement records and data, and work with internal stakeholders to ensure parts, materials and services are sourced in a timely, compliant and cost-effective manner.

The successful applicants will develop capability in procurement processes and purchasing systems, supplier communication adn relationship manaagement, spend analysis, procurement compliance and audit discipline, commercial awareness, responsible and sustainable procurement, basic negotiation supportand professional workplace communication and stakeholder management.

How will I be trained and what qualification will I get at the end?

The Apprenticeship Programme will consist of distance learning and on the job training. You will need to commit to at least 6 hours of study/assessment/exam time weekly. (3 hours of the 6 will be tutor-led learning). There are 5 mandatory CIPS exams to complete and all must be passed in order to successfully complete the apprenticeship. Built into the the programme is a Level 3 CIPS Certificate in Procurement and Supply.

At the end of the 18-month Apprenticeship you will have the following qualifications:

• CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations. 
• Level 3 CIPS Certificate in Procurement and Supply.

Required qualifications and personal qualities:

**Applicants must be 18 years old and over to apply for this apprenticeship.**

• GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths 
• Strong academic background desirable (A-Levels, BTEC, NVQ or equivalent qualification in business, engineering, supply chain or a related discipline)
• Previous experience in an office, customer service, stores, purchasing, engineering or logistics environment.
• Awareness of ERP or purchasing systems such as SAP.
• Interest in rail, rolling stock, engineering services or technical supply chains.

ABOUT WHAT WE OFFER 

A Real Living Wage employer and proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, RSSB Mental Health Charter and Women in Rail EDI Charter, we’ve a lot to shout about at CAF.

Creating a culture of inclusivity and belonging is really important to us and we’re proud to offer our people a range of benefits to support wellbeing including 25 days annual leave, an excellent workplace pension scheme (with up to 10% contribution from us), not forgetting to mention our generous health care cash plan and Bike2Work scheme just to name a few!

Looking for career development? Our Professional Sponsorship scheme will help you to achieve your goals while our Flexible Working policy and Family Friendly culture mean everyone is supported to thrive at CAF. 

As a socially responsible business, we offer paid volunteering days and promote a variety of social value initiatives, including tree-planting, company-wide donation drives, and providing support to the homeless community and refugees. We’re creating waves of positive change through delivering meaningful social value impact on and off the tracks!