Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Assistant Planner, managing stock and ensuring smooth logistics operations.
- Company: National Services Scotland supports NHSScotland, enhancing health services across the nation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on healthcare while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Ideal for ages 16-24; no prior experience needed, just a willingness to learn.
- Other info: This is a Modern Apprenticeship role with opportunities for growth and development.
National Services Scotland (NSS) is a national NHS Board operating at the heart of NHSScotland, providing invaluable support and advice at a strategic and operational level. NSS supports customers to deliver their services more efficiently and effectively and offers shared services on a national scale using best-in-class systems and standards. Our priority is to improve the health and well-being of the people of Scotland by working in partnership with colleagues across Health and Social Care.
This is a challenging opportunity to help harness the buying power of more than £1.5 billion spent each year across the NHS in Scotland. National Procurement, the Procurement Centre of Expertise for Health, works in collaboration with health boards to ensure the highest level of patient care through the provision of a wide range of goods and services via a series of best value national contracts and distribution services.
The Canderside and Eurocentral facilities operate over 3 shift patterns, including day/back shift rotation and a constant nightshift. The successful applicant will work dayshift (08:00 - 16:00), though the candidate must be flexible to work extended office hours should the business require.
The Eurocentral facility operates within a 122,000 sq ft warehouse, covering all aspects of goods in, pick and dispatch. The successful candidate will have experience of working within a similar FMCG warehouse or logistics role, with demonstrable inbound and stock allocation planning, ideally gained within an FMCG warehouse.
This is a Modern Apprenticeship role for ages 16 - 24 years or 16 - 29 years for disabled or care experienced applicants. It is also open to all existing NSS staff who meet the requirements for the role. Your role will be to control and plan the inbound stock, manage and plan the inter-site stock movements to satisfy the outbound allocations of stock for delivery, and deal with any pre/post transactional queries generated from this activity, ensuring stock availability targets are met and outbound delivery timescales are realised. You will also ensure compliance with NHSS logistics health, safety and security procedures and adhere to risk assessments and the development of safe systems of work.
Location and Working Pattern: Coddington Eurocentral, Dayshift - Monday to Thursday 08:00 - 16:00 and Friday 08:00 - 15:30, 37 hours per week. It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NSS.
In line with the Annex 21 provisions, your salary will be as follows:
- Year 1 - 70% of the top of Band 4 pay scale. If this value falls below the Scottish Living Wage, then the salary will be supplemented to ensure it meets the Scottish Living Wage, currently £24,309.07 per annum.
- Year 2 - 75% of the top of the Band 4 pay scale. If this value falls below the Scottish Living Wage, then the salary will be made up to the value of the Scottish Living Wage PLUS the monetary difference between 70% and 75% of the top of the Band 4 scale as an additional top-up.
On successful completion of the MA qualification, your salary will be on point 1 of the Band 4 salary scale at that time.
Our benefits package includes a pension scheme, a comprehensive range of work-life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres, and discounted leisure, financial, and shopping benefits.
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) is committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcome. We recognise that flexible working creates an inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and feel confident about balancing their personal and professional responsibilities. NSS has made a long-term commitment to staff health and well-being and offers many learning and development opportunities to support diversity, inclusion, and mental health in the workplace.
If you are interested in any reasonable adjustments, please contact the Recruitment Team.
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Damien Wisniewski. Closing date for completed applications is 6th June 2025.
Assistant Planner (Modern Apprentice) employer: NHS National Services Scotland
Contact Detail:
NHS National Services Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Planner (Modern Apprentice)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the NHS and National Services Scotland's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to improving health and well-being will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your enthusiasm for contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain insights into the logistics and stock management processes within an FMCG environment. Researching best practices in inventory control and distribution can give you a competitive edge when discussing your relevant experience or potential contributions.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of NSS or similar organisations. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider knowledge about the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your adaptability and problem-solving skills, as these are crucial in a fast-paced environment like NSS.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Planner (Modern Apprentice)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Assistant Planner position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these expectations.
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have experience in FMCG warehouse or logistics roles, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Use specific examples to demonstrate your inbound and stock allocation planning skills.
Showcase Your Flexibility: Since the role requires flexibility in working hours, mention any previous experiences where you successfully adapted to changing schedules or worked in a fast-paced environment.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only expresses your interest in the role but also explains why you are a good fit for NSS. Mention your commitment to improving health and well-being, as this aligns with their organisational goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS National Services Scotland
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of an Assistant Planner. Familiarise yourself with stock management, logistics, and compliance with health and safety procedures, as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Show Your Flexibility
Since the position requires flexibility in working hours, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt to different shifts. Highlight any previous experience where you've successfully managed changing schedules.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
The role involves working both independently and as part of a team. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to collaborate effectively with others, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, training opportunities, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.
