At a Glance
- Tasks: Source and purchase high-quality items for educational programmes while supporting administrative tasks.
- Company: Join a nonprofit dedicated to transforming children's lives through education.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, meaningful impact, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture that values individuality and encourages personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's education while developing your skills in procurement.
- Qualifications: Fluent in Mandarin and English, with strong research and organisational skills.
Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
Employment Type: Permanent Full time (Office based) role.
Organisation: Humanitarian Operations – A Children's Education Charity
About Us
We are a nonprofit organisation dedicated to providing free, high-quality education to children in need. Our work is grounded in the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and thrive. As we continue to grow, we are looking for a dedicated and detail-oriented Procurement & Admin Coordinator to support our operations with sourcing, purchasing, and administrative tasks.
Role Summary
The Procurement & Admin Coordinator will play a key role in identifying and sourcing high-quality, cost-effective items (tech accessories, office furniture, educational tools, etc.) for our programs and spaces. The ideal candidate is proactive, highly organised, research-driven, and fluent in Mandarin and English, to liaise effectively with our suppliers in China.
Key Responsibilities
- Research & Procurement
- Research and identify the best suppliers, products, and prices for a wide range of items, including tech gadgets, office furniture, school supplies, and more.
- Compare pricing, quality, shipping options, and supplier reliability.
- Manage purchasing processes including quotations, negotiations, and bulk orders—primarily from China.
- Build and maintain supplier relationships, ensuring smooth communication and timely deliveries.
- Administrative Support
- Maintain accurate stock records and track inventory levels.
- Organize documentation related to orders, invoices, and shipping.
- Coordinate with internal teams to anticipate and fulfill procurement needs.
- Support general office administration such as scheduling deliveries, managing petty cash, and filing digital records.
- Communication
- Communicate with Chinese-speaking suppliers, ensuring clear understanding of order specifications and timelines.
- Translate basic documents and emails as needed between Mandarin and English.
Qualifications
- Proficiency in Mandarin (spoken and written) and English is required.
- Experience in procurement, product research, supply chain, or administrative roles preferred.
- Strong internet research skills; ability to analyse and compare products efficiently.
- Familiarity with Chinese e-commerce platforms (e.g., Alibaba, Aliexpress) is a plus.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Passion for working with a nonprofit focused on children's education is highly valued.
What We Offer
- A meaningful role contributing to a cause that transforms children's lives.
- Flexible work environment and a supportive, purpose-driven team.
- Opportunities to grow and take on more responsibility as the organisation expands.
About HOPE
Humanitarian Operations (HOPE), was established in 2004 and is dedicated to eradicating educational inequality. Every child in the world should have equal opportunity to become numerate and have the ability to read and type, regardless of their background or nationality, and without prejudice.
This should be done using the latest entertainment technology, thus enabling each lesson to come to life and envelop children, globally for free for those who cannot contribute financially. We are rapidly growing our team and we are looking for like-minded individuals to bring their skills to push our mission forward. We value teamwork, honesty, and flexibility in the workplace, and create an environment for everyone to flourish.
What is it like to work at HOPE?
At Humanitarian Operations, we do things a little differently. We are done with corporate hierarchies and work in an agile, start-up, fashion. We celebrate everyone’s individuality and ideas as exactly what they are: valuable!
The work culture at HOPE is collaborative and relaxed. We encourage feedback and support each other to solve problems–always striving to be the best we can be. We are driven by a passion for quality and delivering outstanding products.
We don’t believe in micro-management; we believe in supporting everyone to reach their best potential and practise using the most efficient and innovative solutions. HOPE is not just a place of work. It is a place of growth, learning, and development. We are co-creating a new world and having fun whilst doing it. We want to challenge everyone in positive and creative ways every day so we can all evolve together.
Procurement & Admin Coordinator (Mandarin-Speaking) in Edinburgh employer: Humanitarian Operations
Humanitarian Operations in Edinburgh is an exceptional employer that values creativity and collaboration, making it an ideal place for those passionate about film and media production. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects like the Little Heroes film while enjoying flexible working hours. Our commitment to fostering a positive environment ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement & Admin Coordinator (Mandarin-Speaking) in Edinburgh
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Humanitarian Operations.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement & Admin Coordinator (Mandarin-Speaking) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Humanitarian Operations:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Humanitarian Operations. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Humanitarian Operations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Humanitarian Operations
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Humanitarian Operations!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Humanitarian Operations. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Humanitarian Operations's culture.
