At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement operations and manage supplier relationships while gaining hands-on experience.
- Company: Join SGS, the global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, committed to sustainability and integrity.
- Benefits: Enjoy perks like private medical cover, performance bonuses, and discounted gym memberships.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and professional qualifications.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring enthusiasm, attention to detail, and good communication skills.
- Other info: Work full-time, Monday to Friday, with a competitive salary of £16,000 per annum.
We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.
SGS's Head Office supports global operations by driving strategy, innovation, and governance across all business lines—ensuring consistent quality, compliance, and performance worldwide.
Job Type: Apprenticeship
Location: Ellesmere Port
Salary: Apprenticeship salary, £16,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday- Friday, 9-5:30
Are you looking to kickstart your career in procurement within a dynamic and global organisation? Join SGS UK as a Procurement Apprentice, where you'll support our Finance and Procurement teams in driving compliance, achieving functional targets, and delivering cost and process efficiencies.
You’ll gain hands-on experience in managing supplier relationships, supporting procurement operations, and improving business processes—all while working towards a professional qualification.
Key Responsibilities- Support procurement operations, including supplier setup, data management, and purchase order creation.
- Assist with reporting tasks such as KPI tracking and spend analysis.
- Liaise with internal teams and shared service centres to resolve invoice and supplier issues.
- Help maintain data accuracy across procurement systems.
- Provide general admin support (e.g. fuel cards, fleet tolls).
- Build positive working relationships to support procurement initiatives.
- Promote compliance with SGS policies, including health & safety and equality.
We understand you may not come from a procurement or finance background – if this role interests you, don’t let that discourage you. We’re looking for enthusiastic individuals who are eager to learn and grow.
- Strong attention to detail with a focus on following defined business procedures.
- Proficient in MS Office, with the ability to analyse data and produce reports.
- Good communication skills, with the ability to listen, discuss, and develop negotiation abilities.
- Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:
- Performance related bonus (discretionary and subject to eligibility criteria)
- Private medical cover (subject to eligibility criteria)
- Competitive pension scheme + Life Assurance
- Generous Annual Leave allowance (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
- Retailer Discounts
- Enhanced maternity/paternity and adoption pay
- Length of Service Awards
- Christmas Vouchers
- Health & Wellbeing initiatives
- An additional day off for your birthday
- Discounted Gym Membership
SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.
APPLY NOW for full consideration, if you are selected for an interview, or further consideration, we will be in touch with you directly.
Procurement Apprentice employer: SGS
Contact Detail:
SGS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Apprentice
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with procurement processes and terminology. Understanding the basics of supplier management, purchase orders, and compliance will give you a solid foundation to discuss during your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field. Attend local industry events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at SGS.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've used data to solve problems or improve processes in previous roles or projects. This will show your potential to contribute to SGS's efficiency goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Research SGS's values and recent initiatives. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with theirs during the interview will help you stand out as a candidate who is genuinely interested in the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Apprentice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Procurement Apprentice position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and interests align with these requirements.
Craft a Strong CV: Create a CV that showcases your relevant skills, experiences, and education. Emphasise any experience with data management, communication, or teamwork, as these are crucial for the role. Make sure it is well-structured and free of errors.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention why you want to work at SGS and how you can contribute to their procurement operations. Use specific examples to demonstrate your attention to detail and willingness to learn.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at SGS
✨Research the Company
Before your interview, take some time to learn about SGS and its values. Understanding their commitment to sustainability, quality, and integrity will help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As a Procurement Apprentice, it's important to demonstrate your eagerness to learn. Be prepared to discuss how you can grow within the role and contribute to the team, even if you don't have prior experience in procurement.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work in a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight relevant experiences.
✨Highlight Your Attention to Detail
Given the nature of procurement tasks, emphasise your strong attention to detail. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed data or completed tasks accurately in previous roles or projects.