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The Co-op

Undergraduate Junior Buyer Review

at The Co-op

Placement (10 Months+)

Purchasing and Supply

Manchester

Review Submitted: May 2024

Overall Rating

4.9 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

5/5 - Overview of Role
5/5 - Skills Development
5/5 - Support and Guidance
4.8/5 - Company Culture
5/5 - Overall Experience
5/5 - Future Career Prospects

Overview of Role

Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
Assist in the purchasing of new products that are both commercially viable, as well as attractive to customers. This involves building key relationship with suppliers and negotiating on costs and promotional activity. The role also involves maintaining accurate data records and running bespoke reports to understand category performance. The role also involves visiting supplier manufacturing facilities and networking events.
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
I have been given full responsibility from day one over how i arrange my work day. There has also been moments during the year that my manager has been on annual leave and i have been given full responsibility of the category. This has been really beneficial for my development.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
5/5

Skills Development

Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
During my time, I have really developed my relationship building skills and now feel confident meeting with suppliers. I now understand how different supplier strategies can be the difference between what is commercially viable and what isn't.
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
5/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
5/5

Support and Guidance

How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
During the first 3 weeks, i had loads of introductions set up to understand how the business works further. I have also had numerous coaching sessions throughout the year that have helped develop some of my soft skills. For the whole year, I have also had a buddy that has mentored and trained me on all aspects on the role.
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5

Company Culture

What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Everyone in the company are both friendly and approachable. They are always looking to find ways to be collaborative and work towards the businesses objectives. This is a great place to work!!
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
4/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
5/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
5/5

Overall Experience

To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
This has been an amazing placement that I would recommend anyone to if they wish to get into buying. Everyone cares about you development and wants the best for you. I have managed to extend my stay with the co-op and will be looking for further opportunities for growth. The placement if very flexible and the hybrid-working means you can work from anywhere.
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5

Future Career Prospects

Please rate the future employment prospects at The Co-op
5/5

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend The Co-op to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to The Co-op
If buying sounds like something you want to get into then go for it. It is a brilliant company to work for and would recommend it to anyone. Make sure you prepare for your interview and do plenty of research for the technical presentation.
In This Review
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