Procurement Apprentice

Job purpose: Babington are currently supporting The Furnishing Service with the recruitment of a Procurement Apprentice.

Since 1995, The Furnishing Service has been working with our valued partners to provide products and services to help turn houses into homes up and down the UK.

Purpose of the role

To support the procurement team with day-to-day purchasing, supplier coordination, and data tasks, commercial, and analytical skills needed for a career in procurement. The role is a training position: responsibilities will start with guided, routine tasks and grow as the apprentice builds knowledge and confidence.

Purchasing and order processing

• Raising and processing purchase orders on Net

Suite, checking that quantities, prices, and delivery details are correct before submission

• Following up on outstanding orders and expected delivery dates, and flagging any delays or discrepancies

• Matching supplier order confirmations and invoices against purchase orders, and helping to resolve queries

• Maintaining accurate records of orders, product codes, and supplier details in the system

Supplier engagement

• Attending supplier meetings alongside a senior colleague, taking notes and gradually contributing to discussions

• Helping to prepare for supplier meetings by gathering pricing, order history, and performance information

• Communicating with suppliers by phone and email on routine matters such as order status, stock availability, and delivery arrangements

• Supporting the team in obtaining quotes and comparing options from different suppliers

Pricing and cost awareness

• Learning how the company's pricing structure works, including cost prices, margins, and how selling prices are built up

• Helping to check and update price lists, and identifying where supplier prices have changed

• Supporting cost comparisons across suppliers to help identify best value

Data, systems, and Excel

• Developing Excel skills through real tasks such as building and maintaining spreadsheets, using formulas, sorting and filtering data, and creating simple summaries

• Helping to consolidate supplier and product information into clear, usable lists

• Assisting with stock and usage reports and other routine data tasks

• Building confidence in Net

Suite and other business systems used day to day

General support and development

• Providing general administrative support to the procurement team

• Working towards the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required by the apprenticeship standard

• Building an understanding of the wider supply chain, including how procurement links to operations, stock, and delivery

• Taking on gradually increasing responsibility as skills and confidence grow

What will I learn? Skills the apprentice will develop

Purchase order processing and system use (Net

Suite), supplier communication, commercial and pricing awareness, Excel and data handling, attention to detail, and professional workplace behaviours

You will also be working towards achieving your Business Admin SCQF 6 Qualification.

What qualifications or qualities are required? Looking for an ambitious candidate looking to learn and develop their skills within a business environment.

Basic IT skills

Strong attention to detail

Good standard of written and spoken English