Website Volvo Group
Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
Volvo Group is Hiring Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
Introduction
Volvo Group is hiring Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing. This is an excellent opportunity for fresh graduates who aim to build a career in purchasing and supply chain management. The Graduate Apprentice Trainee (GAT) role allows you to learn from experienced professionals while contributing to global projects. This job helps you gain strong exposure to purchasing activities, supplier engagement, and data analysis. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
About Volvo Group
Volvo Group is a global leader in transport and infrastructure solutions. It provides trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine and industrial power solutions. The company operates in more than 190 markets with production facilities in 18 countries. With over 100,000 employees worldwide, Volvo Group is committed to driving prosperity through transport and infrastructure solutions. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
The company focuses on innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction. It works closely with suppliers, partners, and customers to build a better future. Volvo Group continues to invest in technology and people to meet the demands of the global market. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
About Volvo Group Purchasing
Volvo Group Purchasing is a key function within the organization. It has over 1,350 employees in 21 countries. The department manages a yearly spend of about 150 billion SEK and works with a supplier base of more than 50,000 companies worldwide. Each year, it ensures the delivery of about 1.9 billion parts to Volvo Group plants across the globe. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
The purchasing team collaborates with suppliers to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and timely delivery. It supports all truck brands within the group, including Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks, Mack Trucks, and UD Trucks, as well as Volvo Buses and Volvo Penta. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
This function plays a vital role in maintaining the supply chain and ensuring the smooth flow of materials for production. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing: Job Overview
Volvo Group is hiring Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing to strengthen its purchasing operations. The position is based in the Group Trucks Purchasing organization and supports buyers globally. The GAT will handle various standard scope activities delegated by buyers from all truck, bus, and Penta sites. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
The role is suitable for graduates who have a strong interest in supply chain management and want to grow as purchasing professionals. It offers an opportunity to work in a global environment, gain hands-on experience, and learn from experts. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
Job Category: Purchasing
Organization: Group Trucks Purchasing
Travel Required: No
Requisition ID: 23612
Key Responsibilities
As a Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing, you will work on various purchasing-related tasks. The main responsibilities include: Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
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Maintaining handler logs and managing portfolio activities
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Handling order management and priority aftermarket requisitions
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Managing RFQs, launching and following up for quotes, and answering supplier queries
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Compiling and analyzing supplier quotes and preparing preliminary cost analysis
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Handling supplier price discrepancies and solving portfolio issues
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Performing analysis for buyers like price inconsistency analysis, 80/20 analysis, ABC analysis, and supplier spend analysis
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Supporting supplier integration, EDI connections, supplier portal access, and supplier base administration
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Providing taxonomy and segmentation support to buyers and management
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Maintaining various department dashboards and reports
These tasks will help you understand purchasing processes and supplier relationships in a real business environment.
Required Competence and Qualifications
Volvo Group is looking for candidates with the following qualifications and skills:
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Fresh graduate with a BE/B.Tech degree in Mechanical, Automobile, Electrical & Electronics, or Industrial Engineering with a minimum of 65% CGPI
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Quick learner with a drive for competence building
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Strong interest in supply chain management and purchasing
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Good understanding of manufacturing processes and costing
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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Positive and collaborative mindset with high energy to contribute
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Proactive approach with problem-solving skills
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Strong MS Office and advanced Excel skills
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Interest in continuous improvement and excellence mindset
These qualities will help you succeed as a Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing at Volvo Group.
What’s in it for You
This role offers many benefits for career growth and learning:
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Opportunity to work with experienced global purchasing and supply chain experts
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Exposure to global projects and supplier ecosystems
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Practical learning through real-time tasks and responsibilities
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Development of analytical, technical, and communication skills
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A strong foundation for a career in supply chain management and purchasing
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Collaborative and supportive work environment
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Chance to contribute to Volvo Group’s success and sustainability goals
By joining as a Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing, you will get a solid start in your career.
How to Apply for Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
To apply for the Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing position at Volvo Group:
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Visit the official Volvo Group careers website.
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Search for the job title Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing using the requisition ID 23612.
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Read the job description carefully.
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Click on the ‘Apply’ button.
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Fill out the application form with accurate details.
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Upload your updated resume and cover letter.
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Submit the application.
Make sure your resume highlights relevant academic projects, internships, and skills related to supply chain and purchasing.
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Top 10 Interview Questions with Answers
Here are the top 10 interview questions with sample answers for the Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing role:
1. What interests you about a career in purchasing and supply chain management?
Answer: I am interested in purchasing because it combines analysis, negotiation, and supplier collaboration. It plays a key role in ensuring smooth production and cost control. I enjoy working with data and building supplier relationships to support business goals. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
2. What do you know about Volvo Group?
Answer: Volvo Group is a global company that produces trucks, buses, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. It operates in more than 190 markets and employs over 100,000 people. The company focuses on sustainability, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing
3. How do you handle multiple tasks with tight deadlines?
Answer: I plan tasks by priority and set clear deadlines for each. I break big tasks into smaller steps and track progress regularly. I communicate with team members to avoid delays and ensure tasks are completed on time.
4. What is RFQ in purchasing?
Answer: RFQ stands for Request for Quotation. It is a process where buyers request suppliers to submit price quotes for specific products or services. It helps in comparing prices and selecting the best offer.
5. How would you solve a price discrepancy issue with a supplier?
Answer: I would first collect all related documents like purchase orders, invoices, and quotes. Then, I would analyze the difference and contact the supplier to clarify. If needed, I would involve the buyer or finance team to resolve the issue quickly.
6. What analysis techniques do you know that can help in purchasing?
Answer: I am familiar with price inconsistency analysis, ABC analysis, 80/20 analysis, volume trend analysis, and cost per kg analysis. These methods help understand spending patterns, identify key suppliers, and control costs.
7. How do you ensure accuracy when preparing cost analysis reports?
Answer: I cross-check data from multiple sources, use structured templates, and verify calculations using Excel formulas. I review the report before submission to ensure all data is correct and complete.
8. How do you handle supplier queries effectively?
Answer: I respond to supplier queries quickly with clear information. If I do not have the answer, I consult with the relevant buyer or manager and get back to the supplier as soon as possible to maintain good communication.
9. What tools or software are you comfortable using?
Answer: I am comfortable using MS Office, especially advanced Excel for data analysis and reporting. I also have basic knowledge of supplier portals and ERP systems.
10. Why should we hire you as a Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing?
Answer: I have a strong interest in purchasing and supply chain management. I am a quick learner, proactive, and collaborative. I am eager to apply my academic knowledge, analytical skills, and positive mindset to support the purchasing team and contribute to Volvo Group’s success.
Conclusion
Volvo Group is hiring Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing, offering a great chance for fresh engineering graduates to start their careers in purchasing and supply chain management. This role provides learning, exposure, and growth opportunities within a global organization. If you are passionate about supply chain, eager to learn, and ready to take on new challenges, apply now and begin your journey with Volvo Group.
This position is ideal for candidates who want to develop strong purchasing skills and work with international teams. Joining Volvo Group as a Graduate Apprentice Trainee – Purchasing will give you a strong foundation for a successful career.
To apply for this job please visit jobs.volvogroup.com.