Group Purchasing - Group Manufacturing
Due to an overwhelming number of applications our Group Purchasing - Group Manufacturing programme is now closed. If you would like to be considered should any places become available at a later date, please complete our expression of interest form. You can also pre-register for our 2010 programme.
At a glance
- Entry criteria - a 2:1 degree in any discipline plus a minimum of 280 UCAS points or equivalent.
- Previous work experience - ideally related to purchasing/supply chain or the ability to demonstrate passion for a career in purchasing.
- Locations - Edinburgh and London.
Global Purchasing
Purchasing is an immensely important area of our business that has a direct impact on over 80% of the Group’s £8.6 billion annual spend. We work with all RBS divisions in over 50 countries across five continents to maintain an optimal supply base, provide world class sourcing and deliver the best possible service to over 40 million customers worldwide.
All the latest tools and techniques
Our approach sees us working in partnership with the business, using best-in-class purchasing tools and techniques, from eSourcing to Supplier Performance Assessment. Together with the rewarding relationships we develop with our suppliers, this approach enables us to make a very real impact on the cost:income ratio of the business.
One of the best on the world stage
What’s more, it’s an approach that’s marked us out as one of the very the best on the world stage. Group Purchasing is recognised as a global leader in procurement excellence by consultancy A.T. Kearney, a position that we have maintained since 2005.
In short, if you’re looking for a truly wide-ranging purchasing environment that will offer you the chance to achieve at the very highest levels, Group Purchasing can offer it to you.
A great introduction to the business
Our Group Purchasing Graduate programme is currently UK-based and typically lasts for 24 months. During your first six months you’ll get an orientation to the Group and the RBS way of working, as well as a comprehensive introduction to the broad range of work in which Group Purchasing is involved.
Taking on more responsibility - from eSourcing to negotiating
As you develop, you’ll work side-by-side with experts in category sourcing teams on a range of strategic sourcing projects. These might involve running a tender process from requests for information (RFI) to requests for proposals (RFP), working with our eSourcing team to select suppliers through eAuctions, through to contract negotiations and lean activity.
Continuing to grow and deliver
You’ll tackle more of these types of projects, each time taking on more and more responsibility. Whatever you do, it’ll be geared towards giving you maximum exposure to the business and in particular category and cross-departmental teams.
Extracurricular activities
After you’ve had the chance to settle into your role you’ll be given the opportunity to begin studying towards a professional qualification. And don’t be surprised if, at some time during the programme, we ask you to get involved in one of our ‘Good to Great’ initiatives, in our Community Investment activities or in a special project from the Director’s Office.
What are we looking for?
Aside from a strong academic record, what counts most in purchasing are commercial awareness and exceptional communication skills. That’s why we’re particularly interested to hear from graduates with work experience – ideally related to purchasing, supply chain or a related category – that shows your ability to manage and influence others.
