commercial buyer Review
at EMR Group Ltd UK
Level 4/5 Apprenticeship
Purchasing and Supply
Darlaston
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
4.8 /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
4.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As a Commercial Buyer Apprentice at EMR Metal Recycling, my role involves supporting the purchasing of scrap metal materials from a range of suppliers while building strong commercial relationships. The position combines sales, negotiation, and operational coordination to ensure the business secures material at competitive rates while maintaining high service standards.
On a day-to-day basis, I am responsible for speaking with existing and potential suppliers, including businesses that generate scrap metal as part of their operations. This involves discussing pricing, arranging collections, and promoting the benefits of working with EMR, such as reliable service, transparent grading, and consistent payments.
A key part of my role is negotiating prices and managing objections. I regularly speak to customers who may be comparing us with competitors or pushing for better rates, so it is important to clearly communicate value rather than just focusing on price. Building trust and long-term relationships is essential, as repeat business and consistent supply are critical in the metal recycling industry.
I also coordinate closely with internal teams, such as transport and yard operations, to ensure collections run smoothly and efficiently. This includes booking collections, confirming logistics, and ensuring any issues are resolved quickly to maintain customer satisfaction.
In addition, I monitor market conditions, as scrap metal prices can fluctuate. This allows me to have informed conversations with customers and position EMR competitively within the market.
On a day-to-day basis, I am responsible for speaking with existing and potential suppliers, including businesses that generate scrap metal as part of their operations. This involves discussing pricing, arranging collections, and promoting the benefits of working with EMR, such as reliable service, transparent grading, and consistent payments.
A key part of my role is negotiating prices and managing objections. I regularly speak to customers who may be comparing us with competitors or pushing for better rates, so it is important to clearly communicate value rather than just focusing on price. Building trust and long-term relationships is essential, as repeat business and consistent supply are critical in the metal recycling industry.
I also coordinate closely with internal teams, such as transport and yard operations, to ensure collections run smoothly and efficiently. This includes booking collections, confirming logistics, and ensuring any issues are resolved quickly to maintain customer satisfaction.
In addition, I monitor market conditions, as scrap metal prices can fluctuate. This allows me to have informed conversations with customers and position EMR competitively within the market.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
3/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend EMR Group Ltd UK to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend working at EMR Metal Recycling to a friend because it provides a supportive and positive working environment, alongside strong opportunities for personal and professional development.
One of the main reasons is the quality of management. Having a great manager makes a significant difference day-to-day, as they provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help you improve and succeed in your role. This creates a more enjoyable and productive workplace.
There are also clear opportunities to grow within the company. As an apprentice, I am able to learn new skills, gain experience in a commercial environment, and develop my confidence in areas such as communication, negotiation, and relationship building. The role offers progression and the chance to build a long-term career.
Another key benefit is the team environment. I have made strong friendships with colleagues, which makes coming to work more enjoyable and creates a sense of belonging. Working with a supportive team helps when facing challenges and contributes to overall job satisfaction.
Finally, there are plenty of opportunities within the business. The role is varied, and no two days are the same. This keeps the job interesting and allows me to continue learning and developing over time.
Overall, EMR offers a combination of great management, career progression, a strong team environment, and ongoing opportunities, which is why I would confidently recommend it to a friend.
One of the main reasons is the quality of management. Having a great manager makes a significant difference day-to-day, as they provide guidance, support, and encouragement to help you improve and succeed in your role. This creates a more enjoyable and productive workplace.
There are also clear opportunities to grow within the company. As an apprentice, I am able to learn new skills, gain experience in a commercial environment, and develop my confidence in areas such as communication, negotiation, and relationship building. The role offers progression and the chance to build a long-term career.
Another key benefit is the team environment. I have made strong friendships with colleagues, which makes coming to work more enjoyable and creates a sense of belonging. Working with a supportive team helps when facing challenges and contributes to overall job satisfaction.
Finally, there are plenty of opportunities within the business. The role is varied, and no two days are the same. This keeps the job interesting and allows me to continue learning and developing over time.
Overall, EMR offers a combination of great management, career progression, a strong team environment, and ongoing opportunities, which is why I would confidently recommend it to a friend.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to EMR Group Ltd UK?
If I were giving advice to someone applying for a role at EMR Metal Recycling, I would focus on a few key areas that can help them stand out and succeed.
Firstly, be yourself and show a positive attitude. The role involves a lot of communication with both customers and colleagues, so being approachable, confident, and willing to learn is really important. Employers are not just looking for experience, but for people who are motivated and eager to develop.
Secondly, demonstrate strong communication skills. As a commercial buyer, you will be speaking to suppliers regularly, negotiating, and handling objections. Showing that you can hold a conversation, listen carefully, and respond clearly will make a strong impression during the application and interview process.
It is also important to show a willingness to learn. As an apprentice, you are not expected to know everything, but you should be open to feedback and keen to improve. Talking about times where you have learned new skills or taken on challenges can help show this.
Another key tip is to have a basic understanding of the role and the industry. Researching what EMR does and understanding that scrap metal prices and markets can change will show that you are genuinely interested and prepared.
Finally, be confident but not overconfident. It’s important to back yourself, especially in a sales-based role, but also to show that you are a team player who can take guidance and work well with others.
Overall, showing enthusiasm, communication skills, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in the role will give you the best chance of success.
Firstly, be yourself and show a positive attitude. The role involves a lot of communication with both customers and colleagues, so being approachable, confident, and willing to learn is really important. Employers are not just looking for experience, but for people who are motivated and eager to develop.
Secondly, demonstrate strong communication skills. As a commercial buyer, you will be speaking to suppliers regularly, negotiating, and handling objections. Showing that you can hold a conversation, listen carefully, and respond clearly will make a strong impression during the application and interview process.
It is also important to show a willingness to learn. As an apprentice, you are not expected to know everything, but you should be open to feedback and keen to improve. Talking about times where you have learned new skills or taken on challenges can help show this.
Another key tip is to have a basic understanding of the role and the industry. Researching what EMR does and understanding that scrap metal prices and markets can change will show that you are genuinely interested and prepared.
Finally, be confident but not overconfident. It’s important to back yourself, especially in a sales-based role, but also to show that you are a team player who can take guidance and work well with others.
Overall, showing enthusiasm, communication skills, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in the role will give you the best chance of success.
