At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in strategic purchasing and supplier management.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at a leading procurement company.
- Benefits: Enjoy health care cash plans, 25 days holiday, and birthday day off.
- Other info: Opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with real-world experience and training.
- Qualifications: GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4) essential; relevant experience welcomed.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 25000 £ per year.
We are currently looking for a Strategic Buyer Apprentice to join our dynamic team. During the 24-month apprenticeship programme you will develop the skills, knowledge and experience needed to begin a successful career in strategic purchasing.
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work:
- Learn purchasing approval processes and how internal teams interact with suppliers.
- Gain experience using ERP systems (e.g. Dynamics AX) and BI tools for spend reporting and supplier data.
- Support core procurement processes including RFQs, contract approvals, and compliance requirements.
- Support live Requests for Quotation (RFQs) by gathering data and preparing quotation comparisons.
- Track and monitor supplier KPIs including cost, quality, and delivery performance.
- Gain exposure to forecasting and demand planning processes.
- Learn how demand fluctuations influence purchasing decisions, stock levels, and supplier capacity.
- Conduct supplier communication, bid analysis, and recommendation preparation.
- Monitor supplier performance and maintain KPI dashboards.
- Build commercial awareness through market research and supplier reviews.
- Analyse risks, cost drivers, and market trends.
- Manage supplier performance, relationships, and continuous improvement activities.
Your training plan:
Working towards Supply Chain Practitioner Level 3 apprenticeship standard. Training will take place at the employer's site.
Essential qualifications:
- GCSE English (Grade 4) essential
- GCSE Maths (Grade 4) essential
- Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.
Skills:
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Presentation skills
- Administrative skills
- Number skills
- Analytical skills
- Logical
- Team working
- Initiative
- Patience
Company Benefits:
- Health Care Cash Plan
- Company Sick Pay
- Service Awards, Training & Development Opportunities
- Holiday Buying Scheme
- Tyne Tunnel subsidy
- Pension scheme
- 25 days holiday
- Birthday day off
- Company events and Long Service Awards
Apprentice Buyer (Procurement & Supply Chain) employer: We Are Zenith
Join our vibrant team as an Apprentice Buyer and embark on a rewarding journey in procurement and supply chain management. With a strong focus on employee development, we offer comprehensive training, hands-on experience, and a supportive work culture that values growth and innovation. Enjoy a range of benefits including a health care cash plan, generous holiday allowance, and unique perks like a birthday day off, all while working in a dynamic environment that fosters collaboration and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Apprentice Buyer (Procurement & Supply Chain)
✨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 We Are Zenith.
✨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 We Are Zenith 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 We Are Zenith 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 Apprentice Buyer (Procurement & Supply Chain)
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 We Are Zenith get a sense of who you are beyond just the paper!
How to prepare for a job interview at We Are Zenith
✨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 We Are Zenith.
✨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 We Are Zenith.
✨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!
