At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and admin tasks, sourcing quality items for educational programmes.
- Company: Join Humanitarian Operations, a charity dedicated to providing free education to children in need.
- Benefits: Enjoy a flexible work environment and opportunities for personal growth within a supportive team.
- Other info: Work in an agile, start-up style environment that values individuality and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's lives while working in a collaborative and innovative culture.
- Qualifications: Fluency in Mandarin and English, with experience in procurement or admin roles preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Job Title: Procurement & Admin Coordinator (Mandarin-Speaking)
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 Coordinatorto 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 English is required and Mandarin (spoken and written) is desirable
- 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 and Admin Co-ordinator employer: Humanitarian Operations
At Humanitarian Operations, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming children's lives through education. Our collaborative and relaxed work culture fosters individuality and innovation, allowing employees to thrive in a supportive environment. With flexible working arrangements and ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, joining our team means contributing to a meaningful cause while enjoying a fulfilling career in the heart of Edinburgh.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Admin Co-ordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Chinese e-commerce platforms like Alibaba and Aliexpress. Understanding how these platforms work will give you an edge in sourcing products effectively and negotiating with suppliers.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your Mandarin skills, especially in a business context. Being able to communicate fluently with suppliers will not only help in negotiations but also build stronger relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience working with non-profits or in educational sectors. They can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your passion for education and non-profit work during any interactions. Showing genuine interest in the mission of Humanitarian Operations can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Admin Co-ordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, administration, and any roles that required strong organisational skills. Emphasise your proficiency in Mandarin and English, as this is a key requirement for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for education and non-profit work. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage procurement processes and build supplier relationships, particularly with Chinese suppliers.
Highlight Research Skills:In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully conducted research to identify suppliers or products in previous roles. This will show your capability to fulfil one of the key responsibilities of the position.
Showcase Attention to Detail:Since the role requires maintaining accurate stock records and managing documentation, include examples in your application that illustrate your attention to detail and organisational skills. This could be from past jobs or projects where precision was crucial.
How to prepare for a job interview at Humanitarian Operations
✨Research the Organisation
Before your interview, take some time to understand Humanitarian Operations and its mission. Familiarise yourself with their projects and values, especially their focus on children's education. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Procurement Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in procurement and administrative roles. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully sourced products or managed supplier relationships. This will show that you have the practical skills needed for the Procurement & Admin Coordinator position.
✨Demonstrate Language Proficiency
Since fluency in Mandarin is desirable, be ready to showcase your language skills during the interview. You might be asked to translate a simple document or communicate a basic idea in Mandarin. Practising this beforehand can give you an edge.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
The role requires strong organisational skills and attention to detail. Prepare to discuss how you manage tasks, track inventory, and maintain accurate records. Providing examples of how you've successfully handled similar responsibilities in the past will reinforce your suitability for the role.
