Graduate Buyer

This entry-level global sourcing and category management scheme focuses on supply chain continuity and commercial vendor management, training postgraduate business or logistics alumni to execute Request for Quotations (RFQs), mitigate downstream supply risks, audit supplier pricing discrepancies within ERP frameworks, and negotiate cross-border vendor agreements.

Job Description

A collective energy and ambition. A place where you can make a real difference. We’re a company that genuinely cares about our people, our products, our consumers and the environment.

Our unique, informal culture champions courage, determination and collaboration. Knowing we have an open and supportive team means each of us has the freedom to take responsibility and ownership. We have a shared passion to work hard, innovate and push boundaries.

United by the belief that when we strive for growth, anything is possible. While we might not be the largest company in our industry, we believe we can have the biggest impact because: Together We Have the Power to Win.

Are you looking to kick-start your career in Procurement? Ready to take ownership of projects, build supplier relationships, and gain hands-on experience in a global organisation?

If that sounds like you, this could be the perfect opportunity. Church & Dwight UK Ltd is looking for a Graduate Buyer on a 2-year fixed-term contract to join our European Procurement team, based at our UK Corporate Office in Folkestone, Kent, with hybrid working (2–3 days per week).

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated graduate to develop commercial and procurement expertise within a fast-paced, multinational business. You’ll gain exposure to real projects, supplier negotiations, and cross-functional collaboration – all while building a strong foundation for a long-term career in Procurement.

As a Graduate Buyer, you’ll support procurement activities across key product categories, helping to ensure reliable supply, manage supplier performance, and drive cost and efficiency improvements across the business.

Responsibilities:

• Support supplier relationship management to ensure strong partnerships and reliable supply performance.

• Coordinate cross-functional projects including new product introductions and supplier changes.

• Run RFQs, evaluate proposals, and support negotiations to deliver cost savings and value improvements.

• Maintain procurement trackers and support KPI reporting and analysis.

• Collaborate with internal teams (PMO, Finance, Legal) to deliver procurement objectives.

• Support contract development and management of supplier agreements.

• Identify and mitigate supply risks, contributing to business continuity plans.

• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and cost analysis activities.

• Resolve supplier pricing and invoice discrepancies with internal stakeholders.

• Participate in supplier performance reviews and governance meetings.

• Represent Procurement in project meetings, providing updates on pricing, timelines, and risks.

• Support continuous improvement initiatives and process efficiencies across the supply base.

• Travel within the UK and Europe for supplier engagement and project support (approx. 10–15%).

Education & Experience:

• Postgraduate qualification (or working towards) in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics or similar.

• Understanding of end-to-end supply chain principles.

• Experience (academic or practical) in procurement, supply chain, or commercial environments.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Exposure to SAP or similar ERP systems desirable.

• Experience working in cross-functional or multinational environments is beneficial.

You’ll be a proactive, detail-oriented individual with strong communication and stakeholder management skills, able to build relationships and influence across all levels. With a naturally analytical and curious mindset, you’ll enjoy solving problems, working with data, and identifying opportunities for improvement.

You’ll be highly organised, capable of managing multiple priorities, and motivated to deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

A flexible, adaptable approach and a strong team ethic will be key, alongside a genuine enthusiasm for developing a career in Procurement.

In return we offer a competitive package, including 24 days annual leave, a pension matched up to 9%, discretionary annual bonus. life assurance cover and membership of a health cash plan.