At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Planning team in managing supply chain operations and resolving inventory issues.
- Company: Join Innospec, a global leader in specialty chemicals with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, training in key business systems, and exposure to global operations.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work with a new ERP system and develop valuable industry knowledge.
- Why this job: Dive into the heart of supply chain management and make a real impact on product availability.
- Qualifications: Strong Excel skills, excellent communication, and a proactive team player attitude.
We have a vacancy for an undergraduate student to complete a Year in Industry placement as a Planning Assistant within the Purchasing & Supply Chain team, commencing Summer 2026. Planning is the heart of supply chain, and this placement will provide a full overview of how a supply chain operates from manufacturing the finished product through to selling the product to the customer.
This placement will give you the opportunity to understand how a supply chain works whilst being fully utilised to support the planning function within the Performance Chemicals Business Unit. You will be trained and gain experience in working with several key business systems to provide support within a fast-paced Supply Chain environment.
You will be fully involved within the planning function working globally to resolve supply issues and ensuring inventory is in place to keep plants manufacturing as per production plan. You will learn how to use SAP to assist with ordering raw materials and finished products to guarantee stock availability to meet customer orders; whilst maintaining min/max inventory across European sites.
You will also play a key role in maintaining the static data within the ERP system ensuring the system runs smoothly and displays accurate information. You will be liaising with our European manufacturing facilities, international third-party suppliers, and other teams internally to maximise product availability. You will be involved in the management of weekly reporting on behalf of the planning team and slow-moving stocks. Key relationship with our US team to manage supply and demand of purchased Finished Goods to service demand in Europe.
We have recently implemented a new ERP system which will be rolled out globally across our business over the course of the placement so this will be a very interesting and exciting time for the company and will provide the successful candidate with a wealth of experience and knowledge that could be invaluable in future business roles.
The successful candidate will possess the following skills:
- Numerate and PC literate: Strong Excel knowledge a preference.
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work closely with all internal departments: requiring the need to be a proactive team-player, and be able to build relationships quickly.
- Ability to build strong networks with internal and external stakeholders.
- Be able to manage multiple concurrent tasks and prioritise by importance.
- Strong attention to detail
- A curious, analytical mind and a knack for simplifying complex processes.
About Innospec: Innospec is a global specialty chemicals company focused on bringing innovative new technologies to market combined with a fast and responsive service. We serve a range of industries across the world, bringing our products to customers in markets from oilfields, fuels, refineries and power stations to personal care and performance chemicals.
Our global team of approximately 2,000 employees spans 22 countries, applying their extensive experience and market understanding to customers’ local needs. Integrating our global footprint with local service capability enables us to supply quality products that meet and anticipate changing market dynamics.
Student Placement - Planning Assistant, Purchasing & Supply Chain (12 Months) in Stevenage employer: Innospec Inc.
Innospec is an excellent employer for students seeking a meaningful placement in the Purchasing & Supply Chain sector. With a strong focus on employee development, you will gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment while working with cutting-edge ERP systems and collaborating with international teams. Our supportive work culture encourages innovation and teamwork, making it an ideal place to kickstart your career in supply chain management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Student Placement - Planning Assistant, Purchasing & Supply Chain (12 Months) in Stevenage
✨Get Involved in Supply Chain Events
Check out local and regional supply chain events or logistics fairs in your area. These gatherings are gold mines for networking and can help you meet professionals from companies like Innospec Inc. who are looking for fresh talent for placements.
✨Join Supply Chain Student Groups
Many universities have student groups focused on supply chain and operations management. Joining these groups can give you access to exclusive job opportunities and workshops, plus you'll be rubbing shoulders with like-minded peers who can share leads or insights into placement openings at companies like Innospec Inc..
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
In supply chain operations, problem-solving and analytical skills are key. On your profile or during interviews, showcase any relevant projects or coursework where you’ve improved processes or used data analysis. It shows you're not just a theory buff but ready to tackle real-world challenges.
✨Apply Directly with Us!
Don't forget that we at StudySmarter have a direct application portal where you can find exciting placements at companies like Innospec Inc.. Get your application in early to stand out from the crowd, and don't be shy about reaching out for advice!
We think you need these skills to ace Student Placement - Planning Assistant, Purchasing & Supply Chain (12 Months) in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Analytical Skills:In the supply chain operations field, being able to analyse data is key. Highlight any experience you have with data analytics tools or software in your CV and cover letter. This could be from coursework or projects; we want to see how you can optimise processes and decision-making!
Demonstrate Your Team Player Spirit:Since supply chain operations are often collaborative, we recommend including examples in your application that showcase your ability to work well in a team. Whether it was a university project or a part-time job, mentioning your contributions to group successes can really make your application stand out.
Focus on Your Learning Potential:As this is a placement role, we’re looking for candidates eager to grow and learn. In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for learning about supply chain management, any relevant coursework, and how you plan to apply this knowledge during your time with us at Innospec Inc..
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Don’t treat your CV and cover letter as one-size-fits-all documents. Make sure to tailor them specifically to the Student Placement - Planning Assistant, Purchasing & Supply Chain (12 Months) role at Innospec Inc.. Use keywords from the job description and reflect on how your past experiences connect to the specific requirements of the position; this shows us you’ve done your homework!
How to prepare for a job interview at Innospec Inc.
✨Know Your Supply Chain Basics
Brush up on key concepts like demand forecasting, inventory management, and logistics. In a placement interview for a supply chain role at Innospec Inc., they might quiz you on your understanding of these topics or ask you to give examples of how you've handled supply chain challenges in the past.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to tackle some data analysis questions or case studies during the interview. Familiarise yourself with tools like Excel or supply chain software, as these could come up when discussing how to optimise operations. We want to see that you can think critically about data and use it to inform decisions.
✨Share Your Experiences
Even as a placement candidate, it's important to highlight any relevant projects, coursework, or work experience. Talk about specific instances where you successfully contributed to a team project, or learned something about supply chains through your studies—this shows your motivation and eagerness to learn on the job.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect situational questions that test your problem-solving skills related to supply chain operations. They might ask how you would handle a sudden stock shortage or a delayed shipment. Think about your decision-making process and how you can showcase your ability to tackle real-world challenges, as this is what the placement is all about!
