Apprentice Purchaser in Colchester

Company Background

Sportsafe, established in 1997, is a leading company with over 70 dedicated professionals across three locations in Essex, Manchester, and Scotland. We specialise in supplying, installing, inspecting, and maintaining sports and fitness equipment for a diverse client base, including primary and secondary schools, private institutions, sports centres, care homes, and various governmental authorities. We hold prestigious accreditations, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, Safecontractor, CHAS, and Construction line Gold Member, and we are registered with afPE.

Core Values – our culture makes us different from our competitors:

• Trust: We put faith in our colleagues, helping and inspiring them to give their best.
• Integrity: We are motivated by our desire to operate with honesty, consideration, and quality of service.
• Pride: We work hard to succeed, and we celebrate our achievements.
• Passion: We are passionate about transforming lives and helping communities.
• Respect: We respect innovation, hard work, and community involvement.

Purpose - Supporting the next generation in sport and fitness

Provide safe environment for:

• Children and young adults to engage in play, sports and fitness.
• Those working in all emergency services to engage in sports and fitness.
• Those working in the armed forces to engage in sports and fitness.

The Role

This is an exciting entry-level opportunity for someone looking to start a career in purchasing, procurement, or supply chain. As Apprentice Purchaser, you will work alongside our experienced Warehouse & Purchasing Manager, learning the fundamentals of purchasing operations in a busy, real-world environment. You will be supported throughout your apprenticeship with full on-the-job training, a structured learning programme, and dedicated time for off-the-job training (a minimum of 20% of your working hours, as required under apprenticeship rules). No prior experience in purchasing is required — we will teach you everything you need to know.

Responsibilities

As you grow in confidence and capability, your day-to-day responsibilities will include:

• Raising purchase orders where sales orders cannot be fulfilled from existing stock.
• Ensuring purchase orders contain all necessary information so that goods and services are delivered correctly and on time.
• Contacting suppliers to check pricing, confirm delivery dates, and chase outstanding orders.
• Entering and processing delivery notes accurately into our systems.
• Responding to queries from internal teams and suppliers by phone and email in a timely and professional manner.
• Supporting the development of supplier relationships to improve service and responsiveness.
• Maintaining accurate filing and records for the purchasing department.
• Keeping purchase order due dates up to date and flagging potential issues proactively.
• Following company procedures for record-keeping and system updates.
• Supporting wider service departments and contributing to shared business goals.
• Adhering to all company Health & Safety, Quality, and HR policies.

We are looking for a motivated and reliable individual who is keen to learn, not someone who already knows it all. The right person will bring a positive attitude and a willingness to develop. The following are the qualities that will help you succeed in this role:

What We’re Looking For

• Good written and verbal communication skills — you will be comfortable picking up the phone and writing professional emails.
• Attention to detail — accuracy matters in purchasing, and you'll take care with data, documents, and records.
• Organised and able to manage your time effectively in a busy environment.
• Reliable and punctual — the team depends on you.
• A positive, can-do attitude — you'll take initiative and contribute to solutions, not just wait to be told what to do.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Basic IT skills — familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is helpful, though full training will be provided.
• Commitment to Sportsafe's values and a professional approach in the workplace.

Desirable

• GCSEs (or equivalent) in Maths and English.
• Any work experience, part-time employment, or work placement — in any sector.
• An interest in purchasing, supply chain, business administration, or a related field.

What You'll Gain

• A nationally recognised apprenticeship qualification (Level 3).
• Hands-on experience within a busy, commercially active purchasing department.
• Full structured training and ongoing support from experienced colleagues.
• Exposure to procurement, stock management, supplier management, and supply chain processes.
• Dedicated off-the-job learning time (minimum 20% of working hours).
• A genuine pathway to a permanent role and career progression within Sportsafe on successful completion.

Location

Based at our Head Office, 17 – 19 Smeaton close, Highwoods, Colchester CO4 9QY.

Working Hours

40-hour working week Monday to Thursday 8.00 am - 4.45 pm Friday 8.00 am - 3.30 pm 40-minute lunch break.

Package

• Competitive apprenticeship salary (in line with or above the National Apprenticeship Minimum Wage).
• 20 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
• Auto-enrolment pension with employer contribution (subject to eligibility).
• Health Cash Plan — reimbursement towards dental, optical, and other medical costs.
• Group Life Insurance (death in service benefit).
• Staff benefits portal with retailer discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme — legal advice and mental health wellbeing support.
• Bike to Work Scheme.
• Annual Christmas social event.