At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and gain hands-on experience in automotive manufacturing.
- Company: Dynamic automotive manufacturer focused on innovation and career development.
- Benefits: Gain practical skills, mentorship, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work on exciting projects.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement and make a real impact in manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Eager to learn, strong analytical skills, and interest in automotive manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 19350 - 23650 £ per year.
This is an excellent development opportunity for someone looking to build a career in procurement, manufacturing engineering, tooling, or capital project delivery within an automotive manufacturing environment. The role is designed to develop capability for progression into specialist positions such as Buyer, Tooling Engineer, or Capital Project Coordinator. You will gain hands‑on experience supporting real manufacturing projects and capital investments, developing practical knowledge of procurement processes, commercial decision‑making, supplier management, tooling, machinery, and capital equipment sourcing. Working alongside experienced colleagues across engineering, quality, manufacturing, and procurement, you will contribute to projects that directly support customer programmes and operational performance.
Key Responsibilities
- You will support procurement activities for production tooling, capital equipment, and manufacturing services, ensuring processes are followed accurately and efficiently.
- The role involves engaging with suppliers to obtain quotations, assess capabilities, evaluate commercial and technical proposals, and monitor delivery performance against agreed timelines.
- You will analyse cost, technical, and contractual information to support informed decision‑making, while maintaining accurate procurement records and assisting with purchase order preparation.
- Working closely with cross‑functional teams, you will participate in project reviews, monitor tooling and equipment milestones, and contribute to capital approval activities by compiling business cases, investment proposals, and cost models.
- You will also learn and apply relevant procurement, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements within a manufacturing environment.
About You
You are eager to develop a career within procurement, manufacturing engineering, or project coordination and have a genuine interest in how tooling, equipment, and supplier relationships support manufacturing success. You have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to interpret technical, commercial, and financial information. Comfortable working collaboratively across functions, you communicate effectively with colleagues and suppliers and are organised in managing multiple priorities. You are proactive in solving straightforward issues, willing to seek guidance when required, and motivated to learn new processes, systems, and industry standards. An interest in automotive manufacturing, continuous improvement, and commercial decision‑making will help you succeed and grow within the role.
Procurement Apprentice in Birmingham employer: Artifex
Artifex is an exceptional employer that values innovation and teamwork, providing a dynamic work culture in Birmingham where employees can thrive. With a strong focus on continuous improvement and professional development, we offer ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the engineering field. Our commitment to quality and safety ensures that you will be part of a team dedicated to excellence, making a meaningful impact in the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Apprentice in Birmingham
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Communities
Dive into local procurement forums and groups! There are often networking events and workshops where you can meet industry professionals. This is your chance to ask questions, learn more about the field, and even make some connections. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up when looking for apprenticeships.
✨Showcase Your Interest Through Projects
Think about taking on small projects related to procurement, like simulating a buying process or researching suppliers. You can even showcase these on platforms like LinkedIn. This will demonstrate your passion for the field and help you stand out when you’re applying for an apprenticeship at places like Artifex.
✨Connect with Your School’s Career Services
Don’t forget about your school’s career services! They often have exclusive listings and can help you find apprenticeship openings in procurement. They might even have connections to companies like Artifex that you wouldn’t find on traditional job boards.
✨Be Active on Job Boards and Apply Directly
Keep an eye on apprenticeship job boards and don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. Many companies like Artifex might list openings there before they hit wider job boards. So, be proactive; the early bird gets the worm!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Apprentice in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Enthusiasm for Procurement:As you're applying for a procurement apprenticeship, we want to see your passion for the field! In your cover letter, share why you're interested in procurement, maybe mention any relevant projects, or experiences you've had in school or outside of it. This is your chance to let your love for the industry shine through!
Highlight Organisational Skills:In procurement, being organised is key. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences that reflect your organisational abilities. This could include managing group projects, budgeting for school events, or even any admin tasks you've done. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Key Skills:For a procurement apprenticeship, think about including skills like negotiation, analysis, and communication. Make sure your CV highlights any practical experiences you have, such as working in customer service or team projects, that demonstrate these skills. Tailoring your CV helps us see how you fit into the role!
Keep Your Application Conversational:Since this is an apprenticeship, it's important to keep your application a bit more conversational and friendly. Use a tone that reflects your personality while still remaining professional. This will help us at Artifex get a sense of who you are beyond just the paper!
How to prepare for a job interview at Artifex
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
In procurement, it's all about understanding the supply chain and negotiation tactics. Brush up on common procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how you would approach supplier relationships. Demonstrating your awareness of these concepts can really set you apart during the interview with Artifex.
✨Get Familiar with Tools of the Trade
Make sure you’ve dived into procurement software or tools relevant to the industry, like SAP Ariba or Coupa. Even if you haven't used them directly, showing that you know what they are and how they impact procurement can impress your interviewers at Artifex.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an apprenticeship, the focus will be on your potential and attitude. Be ready to talk about why you're excited about a career in procurement and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. Share any relevant projects or experiences, even if they're informal.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might get hit with scenarios like dealing with a supplier who’s fallen short on delivery. Think about how you’d handle such situations and showcase your problem-solving skills. This demonstrates that you not only know the theory but can apply it in real-world situations!
