Apprentice Purchasing Administrator

Summary

We’re looking for a motivated and organised individual to join our team as an Apprentice Purchasing Administrator. This is a great opportunity to gain real experience in a busy purchasing department while working towards a recognised qualification.

Wage

£16,000 a year

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Hours to be confirmed

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Start date

Monday 14 July 2025

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

You’ll support the Purchasing Manager with day-to-day tasks, helping to source materials, manage supplier relationships, manage product information and ensure stock levels meet business needs. No experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and a keen eye for detail.

What You’ll Do:

Raise and manage purchase orders using Microsoft Dynamics 365
Communicate with suppliers to track orders and resolve issues
Process delivery notes and support the Accounts team with documentation
Work with internal departments to understand stock requirements
Research products and suppliers to support purchasing decisions
Manage product specifications and information
Use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Outlook, Word) for admin tasks

Where you'll work

3
Swindells Yard
Arden Street
New Mills
SK22 4NS

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

MACCLESFIELD COLLEGE

Your 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.

Your training plan

Full training and mentoring from experienced staff
Support to gain a qualification in Business Administration or Purchasing
Real work experience in a friendly and professional environment
Opportunities to grow within the company after your apprenticeship

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

Maths and English (grade 4/C)

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
Administrative skills
Team working
Initiative
Reliable
Time management

About this company

Arden is the leading name in die-making. Founded in 1964, we’re world-renowned in the packaging industry for our quality die-cutting and associated tooling solutions. Working with some of the world’s leading packaging converters for more than half a century, we’re committed to continual investment in tooling technologies to deliver the highest quality, most innovative products, and to meet the ever-increasing demands of the carton and corrugated sectors. You can rely on the expertise of our highly-skilled workforce to bring you the latest in high precision engineered tooling for all your die-cutting, stripping and blanking requirements. Our range of tooling solutions are driven by innovation and are at the cutting-edge of industry standards. We’re one of the world’s leading die-makers, with our headquarters in Greater Manchester, UK, and as part of a global packaging organisation, we’re perfectly placed to deliver a first in-class service, ensuring optimal performance for all of your packaging needs.

https://ardendies.com/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

After successful completion of the apprenticeship, you may have the opportunity to progress within the business

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

MACCLESFIELD COLLEGE

Maxim Business Training

apprenticeship.recruitment@macclesfield.ac.uk

01625410022

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC1000327128.

Apply now

Closes in 17 days (Monday 7 July 2025 at 11:59pm)

When you apply, you’ll be asked to sign in with a GOV.UK One Login. You can create one at the same time as applying for this apprenticeship.

Cookies on Find an apprenticeship

Contents