At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in procurement processes and manage purchase orders for IT items.
- Company: Join a leading IT solutions provider with a strong reputation and global clients.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, and 33 days of annual leave.
- Other info: Gain a Level 4 Diploma while working in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your procurement career with hands-on experience and professional training.
- Qualifications: A-level in Business, Economics, or Maths; strong communication and tech skills.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 € per year.
Doherty Associates (DA) has delivered IT solutions for the past 30 years to world-renowned, international clients. Our focus is on the professional and financial services sector, including leading private equity and venture capital firms and the top 10 UK law firms. We are a Microsoft Gold Partner, with five Solutions Partner Designations, a Tier 1 Microsoft CSP relationship, and are ISO27001 & ISO9001 accredited. Our clients rely on us to bring specialist expertise across cloud solutions, hybrid working, modern workplace, data and BI, cyber security, governance and compliance, and networking. We have built a reputation as a company that keeps its promises and delivers quality.
About the role
Due to the nature of the role, this position is office based, Monday to Friday, with no option of hybrid working. Reporting to the Procurement Team Leader, the Purchasing Assistant (Apprentice) will be a member of the London Business Support team. This team works closely with the sales and pre‑sales function on quoting and procuring information technology related items (Hardware, Software and Labour) for our clients. You will work closely with colleagues in other business areas, such as the Business Support Team in our Kuala Lumpur office and our service desk.
This role will suit an individual looking to make a start in their procurement career in a fast‑paced, multi‑national environment. The business is also of a size where you will get exposure to the full range of procurement related processes so will be able to develop a good understanding of the range of activities necessary for a successful purchasing function. You will be supported to develop your professional skills through the Company’s sponsored training and development programme. As such this role is initially an up to 24‑month apprentice position, and you will be enrolled on the L4 Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship Qualification via SRSCC. Once you pass the exams, you will receive CIPS Level 4 Diploma.
Responsibilities
- Answer incoming calls and direct them to the appropriate department
- Raise and maintain timely and accurate purchase orders
- Raise orders for internal purchases on partner platforms, or via emails
- Monitor and manage open purchase orders (POs) and update accordingly
- Chase and manage back‑orders with suppliers
- Track orders and ensure timely delivery
- Accurately record all incoming goods on the company system
- Check incoming delivery notes against POs to ensure the value and quantity match. Resolve inconsistencies.
- Arrange and prepare shipments of client IT equipment inside and outside UK
- Scan and file all delivery notes and related documentation
- Maintain the accurate recording of new and existing preferred suppliers contacts in database
- Assist with co‑ordination and sourcing of cost‑effective and high‑quality suppliers
- Manage the receipt of parcels (in the office); label and record them on the company system. Ensure their appropriate storage in the stockroom.
- Produce ad‑hoc reports as required
- Provide holiday or sickness cover for absent team members (as and when needed)
Eligibility criteria
- Be aged 16 or over
- Live in England. Have lived in the UK continuously for the last 3 years prior to the start of the apprenticeship
- Not be in full‑time education
- Be legally eligible to work full‑time in the UK for the entire duration of the apprenticeship (up to 24 months)
- Not currently be enrolled in another apprenticeship programme
- An A‑level (with minimum C grade) in either Business, Economics or Maths subject
Professional skills and abilities
- Excellent communicator with ability to develop effective working relationships with customers, suppliers and staff
- Confident on the phone when dealing with queries
- Tech savvy (confident user of Microsoft Excel, Word)
- Ability to carry out independent search queries
- Very good attention to detail, ability to follow process guidelines
- Methodical and analytical thinking skills
- Fluent spoken English
About the person
- Ability to listen to understand and support
- Reliable and punctual
- Resilient
- Proactive
- Flexible and adaptable (able to adjust to changing workloads and priorities)
- Ability to deliver to defined timescales
- Self-starter and motivated to learn, wants to get the job done and has a sense of accountability
- Able to work both, independently as well as part of a team
What we offer
- Basic salary
- Performance bonus
- Standard commuting cost to the office reimbursement (for the 3rd, 4th and 5th day in a week) - discretionary
- Sponsored L4 Procurement Assistant Qualification via SRSCC
- 33 days of annual leave (including 8 UK bank holidays)
- Days off on your birthday
- Private Medical and Income Protection insurance
- Company sick pay
- Cycle to work scheme / IT purchase scheme / Season ticket loan scheme
Purchasing Assistant (Apprentice) employer: Doherty
Doherty Associates is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where you can kickstart your procurement career. With a strong commitment to employee development through sponsored training programmes and a supportive team culture, you will gain invaluable experience while enjoying competitive benefits such as a performance bonus, generous annual leave, and health insurance. Join us to be part of a reputable company that values quality and keeps its promises to both clients and employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Assistant (Apprentice)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Doherty Associates, their values, and their projects. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your knowledge and enthusiasm for what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your phone skills! Since you'll be answering calls and directing them, it’s crucial to sound confident and friendly. Try role-playing with a mate to get comfortable with handling queries.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Doherty Associates.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Assistant (Apprentice)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Purchasing Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match the job description, like your attention to detail and communication skills.
Show Your Enthusiasm:Let us know why you're excited about starting your procurement career with us! A bit of passion can go a long way in making your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through without getting lost in complicated phrases.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Doherty
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the basics of procurement and supply chain management. Familiarise yourself with common terms and processes, especially those mentioned in the job description. This will show your enthusiasm for the role and help you answer questions confidently.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
As a Purchasing Assistant, you'll need to communicate effectively with various stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've successfully communicated in past experiences, whether in school or part-time jobs.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing back-orders or resolving discrepancies in delivery notes. Think through potential scenarios beforehand and outline your thought process. This will demonstrate your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Smart Questions
At the end of the interview, have a couple of insightful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the team dynamics, the training programme, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you're genuinely interested in the position and eager to learn more about the company.
