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 supportive Early Careers Programme with diverse opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company while developing essential skills for your future.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just a passion for procurement and strong communication skills.
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
- 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 are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.
Procurement Apprentice in Leeds 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Apprentice in Leeds
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Communities
Dive into local procurement forums and groups! There are often networking events and workshops where you can meet industry professionals. This is your chance to ask questions, learn more about the field, and even make some connections. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up when looking for apprenticeships.
✨Showcase Your Interest Through Projects
Think about taking on small projects related to procurement, like simulating a buying process or researching suppliers. You can even showcase these on platforms like LinkedIn. This will demonstrate your passion for the field and help you stand out when you’re applying for an apprenticeship at places like STADA Thornton & Ross.
✨Connect with Your School’s Career Services
Don’t forget about your school’s career services! They often have exclusive listings and can help you find apprenticeship openings in procurement. They might even have connections to companies like STADA Thornton & Ross that you wouldn’t find on traditional job boards.
✨Be Active on Job Boards and Apply Directly
Keep an eye on apprenticeship job boards and don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. Many companies like STADA Thornton & Ross might list openings there before they hit wider job boards. So, be proactive; the early bird gets the worm!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Apprentice in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Enthusiasm for Procurement:As you're applying for a procurement apprenticeship, we want to see your passion for the field! In your cover letter, share why you're interested in procurement, maybe mention any relevant projects, or experiences you've had in school or outside of it. This is your chance to let your love for the industry shine through!
Highlight Organisational Skills:In procurement, being organised is key. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences that reflect your organisational abilities. This could include managing group projects, budgeting for school events, or even any admin tasks you've done. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Key Skills:For a procurement apprenticeship, think about including skills like negotiation, analysis, and communication. Make sure your CV highlights any practical experiences you have, such as working in customer service or team projects, that demonstrate these skills. Tailoring your CV helps us see how you fit into the role!
Keep Your Application Conversational:Since this is an apprenticeship, it's important to keep your application a bit more conversational and friendly. Use a tone that reflects your personality while still remaining professional. This will help us at STADA Thornton & Ross get a sense of who you are beyond just the paper!
How to prepare for a job interview at STADA Thornton & Ross
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
In procurement, it's all about understanding the supply chain and negotiation tactics. Brush up on common procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how you would approach supplier relationships. Demonstrating your awareness of these concepts can really set you apart during the interview with STADA Thornton & Ross.
✨Get Familiar with Tools of the Trade
Make sure you’ve dived into procurement software or tools relevant to the industry, like SAP Ariba or Coupa. Even if you haven't used them directly, showing that you know what they are and how they impact procurement can impress your interviewers at STADA Thornton & Ross.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an apprenticeship, the focus will be on your potential and attitude. Be ready to talk about why you're excited about a career in procurement and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. Share any relevant projects or experiences, even if they're informal.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might get hit with scenarios like dealing with a supplier who’s fallen short on delivery. Think about how you’d handle such situations and showcase your problem-solving skills. This demonstrates that you not only know the theory but can apply it in real-world situations!
