Purchasing Apprentice
CARVANSONS LTD
ROSSENDALE (BB4 4RS)
Closes in 12 days (Thursday 30 April 2026 at 11:59pm)
Posted on 16 April 2026
Contents
Summary
To support the Purchasing function in ensuring adequate availability of raw materials and Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) to meet the ongoing business needs. This role offers hands-on experience in a dynamic fragrance business environment.
- Wage
-
£20,000 a year
- Training course
- Business administrator (level 3)
- Hours
-
Monday to Friday, hours to be confirmed.
37 hours 30 minutes a week
- Start date
-
Monday 4 May 2026
- Duration
-
1 year 6 months
- Positions available
-
1
Work
Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.
What you'll do at work
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
- 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 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 learnt
- 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
- Developing and managing relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Following instructions and asking 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 being capable of working autonomously
ADMINISTRATION
- Effectively using Microsoft Office applications, Word, Excel, and Outlook
- Data entry and filing alongside performing other routine clerical tasks as assigned
- Adhere to procedures relating to the proper use and care of equipment and materials for which the role has responsibility
- Scanning, printing, and running reports
- Understanding of financial IT systems For Finance Roles
- Maintain accurate paper and electronic filing systems
- Competency in typing accurately at an agreed level of speed
- Identify problems and respond in a timely fashion
Where you'll work
KNOWSLEY PARK WAY KNOWSLEY R
HASLINGDEN
ROSSENDALE
BB4 4RS
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
Training provider
BURNLEY COLLEGE
Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)
What you'll learn
Course contents
- 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. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
- Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
- Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
- Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
- Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
- Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
- Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.
Training schedule
The successful applicant will enrol on the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship at Burnley College and attend day release.
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE in:
- English (grade 4)
- English (grade 4)
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Administrative skills
Other requirements
Please note that applications with AI-generated answers will not be shortlisted.
OTHER
- A flexible and adaptable approach and being responsive to the needs of the business and colleagues
- Smart professional appearance
About this employer
Carvansons is an established and trusted UK Fragrance Manufacturer. We innovate, develop and manufacture high-quality fragrance compounds and odoriferous substances. We supply manufacturers of finished products with fragrance oils that help create identity and brand recognition for their products. Our passion for fragrance is apparent in everything we do, from our creativity and technical expertise to developing bespoke fragrance compounds with exceptional service.
https://www.carvansons.co.uk/about-carvansons/ (opens in new tab)
After this apprenticeship
Potential for full time employment after successful completion of the apprenticeship.
Ask a question
The contact for this apprenticeship is:
BURNLEY COLLEGE
Themis
Themis@burnley.ac.uk
01282733005
The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000026894.
Apply now
Closes in 12 days (Thursday 30 April 2026 at 11:59pm)