Apprentice Buyer

SFC(MIDLANDS)LTD

LEICESTER (LE7 3XD)

Closes in 21 days (Monday 6 July 2026 at 11:59pm)

Posted on 15 June 2026

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Summary

This is a great opportunity to learn how businesses source and buy products and services to operate effectively. You’ll work with suppliers, compare prices and options, help manage orders, and build strong professional relationships. Developing valuable communication, negotiation, and commercial skills.

Wage

£16,224 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course
Business administrator (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 7.30am - 4.30pm, Friday: 7.30am - 3pm.

39 hours a week

Start date

Monday 3 August 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

  • Sourcing of materials and services
  • Cost negotiation
  • Procurement
  • Raising purchase orders
  • Management of budgets
  • Problem solving

Where you'll work

UNIT 75-78 THE BURROWS
EAST GOSCOTE ESTATE
EAST GOSCOTE
LEICESTER
LE7 3XD

Training

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

Training provider

LOUGHBOROUGH 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

  • Online attendance with Loughborough College within the first 15 months, one morning per week with onsite sessions in the afternoon to assist with portfolio building and preparation for End Point Assessment.
  • Diarised visits from a dedicated Trainer/Assessor.
  • Attendance at Loughborough College for an Induction Day. (Induction to take place on the last Wednesday of the month that you are enrolled, 9:30am-3pm. Confirmation of date provided upon enrolment).
  • Attendance at Loughborough College for Functional Skills (if required).
  • On-the-job training.
  • Off-the-job training.

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

  • English (grade C/4 or above)
  • Maths (grade C/4 or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

  • Communication skills
  • IT skills
  • Attention to detail
  • Organisation skills
  • Customer care skills
  • Problem solving skills
  • Administrative skills
  • Number skills
  • Analytical skills
  • Logical
  • Team working
  • Initiative

Other requirements

Must want to learn and progress in a fast working environment, with a team working mentality.

About this employer

We are a small manufacturing company, privately owned, based in East Goscote, Leicester. We employ a staff of 35 persons and are active within the construction sector. Large order books and a search for our “managers of the future” means we looking to introduce apprentices seeking professional skills and experiences, as they develop their careers. We have strong personal development and training plans.

https://sfc-group.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

  • 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
  • EAP
  • Company Pension

After this apprenticeship

Your earnings can increase over time with an apprenticeship. Find out about potential future pay (opens in new tab).

Progression into a buyer then a senior buyer role.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

LOUGHBOROUGH COLLEGE

Sophia Cleaver

apprenticeships@loucoll.ac.uk

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000037011.

Apply now

Closes in 21 days (Monday 6 July 2026 at 11:59pm)