At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement operations, manage supplier relationships, and process purchase orders in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Asymchem Ltd, a leading global pharmaceutical development and manufacturing organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension contributions, and employee recognition schemes.
- Other info: Gain valuable experience in a regulated environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement while making a real impact in the pharmaceutical industry.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs at Grades A*-C (9-4) required; A-Levels are a bonus.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 18000 £ per year.
Asymchem is looking to recruit a Procurement and Supply Assistant apprentice. You will help support procurement operations including assisting with sourcing materials, managing supplier relationships, processing purchase orders, and other key purchasing activities ensuring compliance with GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and regulatory standards.
Qualification Requirements
- You will need to have or are expecting to achieve a minimum of 5 GCSEs or the equivalent at Grades A*-C (9-4). A-Levels would be an advantage.
Salary - £18,000 per annum
Benefits
- Holiday Allowance - 25 Days Holiday Allowance, plus Bank Holidays
- Pension - Employee 5%, Employer 3%
- Discount schemes
- Eyecare
- Employee assistance programme
- Onsite parking
- Onsite canteen
- Employee recognition / awards
Location - Discovery Park House, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9NJ
Working Hours - Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm with 45 minute lunch break.
Duration - 20 months
Start Date - October 2026
Interview Date - September 2026
Closing Date for Applications - 26th August 2026
Next Steps
Successful candidates will be progressed to a one way video interview, invites will be sent via email. The video interview will be reviewed by the Hiring Manager.
Job Responsibilities
- Purchasing and Sourcing: Assist with sourcing raw materials, solvents, production consumables, and indirect goods required for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Obtain and evaluate supplier quotations to support cost-analysis activities and decisions ensuring best value, quality, and delivery timelines. Support negotiations for pricing, delivery timelines, and contract terms under supervision. Prepare and process purchase orders while ensuring accuracy and adherence to internal procedures. Track order status and follow up with suppliers to resolve delays or discrepancies to ensure on‑time delivery.
- Inventory and Material Planning: Support inventory monitoring to ensure adequate stock levels for production schedules. Assist in reviewing usage reports and contribute to forecasting material demand.
- Supplier Relationship Management: Communicate with suppliers to obtain pricing, product information, delivery schedules, and order confirmations. Assist in tracking supplier performance metrics such as quality, reliability, and delivery accuracy.
- Compliance and Documentation: Help maintain accurate supplier records, certifications, and compliance documentation. Support supplier and material qualification processes. Maintain audit‑ready documentation for procurement transactions and supplier management.
- Continuous Improvement: Contribute to cost‑saving initiatives and process improvements activities within procurement. Support data analysis, reporting and KPI tracking for procurement activities.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Liaise with warehouse/logistics to reconcile deliveries and obtain associated documentation. Consult with production team to understand demand, project requirements, and material specifications. Support finance with invoice matching, discrepancy resolution, budget tracking, and other procure-to-pay processes.
Candidate Requirements
Desired skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage documentation accurately.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Problem-solving mindset with willingness to learn.
- Competent in prioritising tasks and manage time effectively.
- Ability to work in a regulated environment and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Personal Qualities
- Confident to work with minimal supervision.
- Reliable, consistent, good timekeeper and calm under pressure.
- Inquisitive, good people person willing to listen and act on information being relayed.
- Enthusiastic and dynamic.
- Proactive and asks questions.
- Ability to drive your own professional development and not be a passenger.
Training To Be Delivered
Qualification to be delivered: CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations. Apprenticeship Standard: Procurement & Supply Assistant Level 3. Training Provider: CIPS. Delivery model: Online.
Future Prospects
Should there be relevant positions available at the completion of the apprenticeship then the successful applicants will be invited to apply for the vacancies.
Things To Be Considered
If commuting by public transport, buses come to site, but the train station is a 30 walk.
About Asymchem Ltd
Founded in 1999, Asymchem is a global integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) providing drug R&D and manufacturing for leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies. Asymchem currently operates eight manufacturing facilities offering solutions ranging from early clinical stage to commercial stage, including R&D, cGMP production of advanced intermediates, APIs, formulations, and clinical research services. Asymchem Group, headquartered in Tianjin, P. R. China. The Asymchem Sandwich Pilot Plant Facility, located in Sandwich, Kent, is a cutting‑edge hub for pharmaceutical development and manufacturing. Purpose built as a dedicated in house clinical manufacturing facility the Pilot Plant is now operated by Asymchem Laboratories supporting our clients across their products’ lifecycle. It specializes in small molecule API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) manufacturing supporting early phase development, clinical and commercial demands. With a strong focus on innovation and sustainability, the Sandwich Pilot Plant is a flexible facility equipped with advanced capabilities that is lead and operated by a team of highly experienced pharmaceutical professionals with demonstrated expertise in delivering molecules to market.
Procurement and Supply Assistant (Level 3) apprentice - Asymchem Ltd employer: Asymchem Ltd
Asymchem Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment at our state-of-the-art facility in Sandwich, Kent. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training through the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations, alongside generous benefits such as 25 days of holiday, pension contributions, and employee recognition programmes. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, where your contributions will be valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Supply Assistant (Level 3) apprentice - Asymchem Ltd
✨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 Asymchem Ltd.
✨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 Asymchem Ltd 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 Asymchem Ltd 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 and Supply Assistant (Level 3) apprentice - Asymchem Ltd
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 Asymchem Ltd get a sense of who you are beyond just the paper!
How to prepare for a job interview at Asymchem Ltd
✨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 Asymchem Ltd.
✨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 Asymchem Ltd.
✨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!
