At a Glance
- Tasks: Kickstart your procurement career with hands-on experience across sourcing, sustainability, and digital transformation.
- Company: Join Thornton & Ross, a trusted partner in healthcare with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, and 25 days of leave plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Engage in a diverse culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while learning from industry experts in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong interest in procurement and good communication skills; no prior experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 17500 - 17500 £ per year.
Join our Early Careers Programme as a Procurement Apprentice commencing October 2026 at STADA UK Thornton & Ross. We are on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees committed to our purpose of Caring for Peoples Health as a Trusted Partner.
This programme offers meaningful, hands-on experience across four core procurement disciplines. You will build both breadth and depth by completing a rotation in each area, gaining a well-rounded understanding of how procurement supports a regulated healthcare and manufacturing business. This programme is designed to develop well-rounded procurement professionals, with potential progression into roles such as Indirect Buyer, Direct Buyer, Category Buyer, Procurement Analyst or Procurement Excellence roles.
Key Information
- Starting salary of £17,500, reviewed regularly in line with your progress through your apprenticeship.
- Duration: 3 Years (5th October 2026 - 26th October 2029).
- The Business Admin Level 3 and then Procurement and Supply Chain Level 4 courses will be provided by The Apprentice Academy, approximately 1 day per week at college, remotely delivered on site at Linthwaite.
How You Will Make an Impact
- Rotate across four procurement specialisms (Indirect, Category, Excellence and Direct), gaining a 360 view of how purchasing supports a modern, regulated business.
- Get hands-on with live sourcing, negotiations and supplier management, building real commercial skills from day one.
- Work with teams across Finance, Legal, IT, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain, developing strong stakeholder and relationship-building skills.
- Build digital and analytical capability using tools like SAP and Ariba, turning data into insight and helping improve processes and controls.
- Learn how ESG, sustainability and responsible sourcing are embedded into procurement strategies, contracts and supplier performance.
- Develop a practical understanding of how procurement protects continuity of supply, supports manufacturing and strengthens overall business resilience.
What We Are Looking For
- A strong interest in procurement, business or supply chain.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Good organisational ability and attention to detail.
- A proactive mindset and willingness to learn.
- Comfort working with data and Microsoft Office tools.
- Interest in healthcare, manufacturing, sustainability or regulated environments would be an advantage.
- Educated to a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English at grade C/4 or above.
- No previous Procurement experience is required; full training will be provided.
How we care for you
At Thornton & Ross, our purpose of Caring for peoples health as a trusted partner motivates us every day. We offer:
- Competitive starting salary and annual bonus scheme.
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution.
- Opportunity to engage in our Early Careers Programme alongside apprentices, students and graduates across the organisation.
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days.
- On-site subsidised canteen.
- Health benefits via Medicash Health Cash Plan.
- Free winter flu vaccination.
- Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Enhanced Family Leave.
- Plus many additional employee benefits and engagement events.
STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.
Procurement Apprentice in Huddersfield employer: STADA Thornton & Ross
At STADA UK Thornton & Ross, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a culture of integrity and entrepreneurship. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training and development opportunities, all while working in a supportive environment that values agility and teamwork. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a collaborative atmosphere where every member plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare.
