Purchasing Apprentice

Overview

To support the Purchasing function in ensuring adequate availability of raw materials and Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) to meet ongoing business needs. This role offers hands‑on experience in a dynamic fragrance business environment.

Hours & Duration

• Hours: Monday to Friday, hours to be confirmed (37 hours 30 minutes a week)
• Duration: 1 year 6 months
• Start date: Monday 4 May 2026

What you’ll do at work

• Proactively chase purchase order confirmations, check for accuracy and update purchase orders accordingly
• Chase late deliveries with suppliers
• Support Purchasing Team in placing purchase orders
• Support Purchasing Team in sending quote requests to customers
• Support Purchasing Team in requesting samples from suppliers
• Provide additional support within the department where needed

Apprenticeship responsibilities

• Learning and developing practical skills
• Participating in classes and workshops on and off‑site
• Observing health and safety procedures
• Completing all tests, presentations, and other required evaluations
• Working in the office and travelling to other sites when required
• Positively receiving feedback
• Attending meetings and offering suggestions for improvement
• Keeping a log of everything learned
• Building professional relationships with colleagues and clients

Communication

• Communicate with all colleagues and external points of contact face to face, by telephone, or in writing in a clear, concise, and professional manner
• Interpret and respond clearly, effectively, and in a timely manner to requests for information from colleagues, managers, directors, and external agencies
• Understand business demands and expectations and deliver against these in line with the company’s high standards
• Communicate within the team, supporting others where necessary
• Contribute to team meetings and events as and when required
• Develop and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Follow instructions and ask appropriate questions
• Ensure that all deadlines are met in a timely manner and people are kept informed of progress

Teamwork

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, managers, and clients
• Ensure that all deadlines are met in a timely manner and clients/colleagues are kept informed of progress
• Influence people positively by demonstrating a “can‑do” attitude
• Contribute to formal and informal discussions with colleagues to generate new ideas and approaches
• Enjoy working as part of a team but be capable of working autonomously

Administration

• Effectively use Microsoft Office applications, Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Perform data entry and filing alongside other routine clerical tasks as assigned
• Adhere to procedures related to proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility
• Scan, print, and run reports
• Understand financial IT systems for finance roles
• Maintain accurate paper and electronic filing systems
• Type accurately at an agreed level of speed
• Identify problems and respond in a timely fashion

Where you’ll work

KNOWSLEY PARK WAY KNOWSLEYHASLINGDENROSSENDALEBB4 4RS

Training

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data
• Produce accurate records and documents, including emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals; make recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management; draft correspondence, write reports, and review others’ work while maintaining confidentiality and coaching others in required processes
• Exercise proactivity and good judgement, making effective decisions based on sound reasoning, and seek advice from more experienced team members when appropriate
• Build and maintain positive relationships within the team and across the organisation, demonstrating influence and appropriate challenge, becoming a role model to peers and developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge
• Demonstrate good communication skills whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms; use the most appropriate channels and apply social media solutions appropriately when required
• Complete tasks to a high standard, continuously improving work, reviewing processes autonomously and making suggestions for improvement; share administrative best practice across the organisation and coach others as a key point of contact for addressing issues
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, managing priorities and time to meet deadlines; positively manage expectations of colleagues at all levels, set a positive example, and suggest improvements to working practice while considering broader implications such as impact on clients and suppliers; manage resources and organise meetings, taking minutes and action logs, and handling logistics such as travel and accommodation
• Use relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report; plan required resources to successfully deliver projects and undertake and lead projects as required

Requirements

• GCSE in …
• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience – the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Other requirements

• A flexible and adaptable approach and being responsive to the needs of the business and colleagues
• Smart professional appearance

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