Apprentice Supply Chain assistant

Summary

The Apprentice Supply Chain Assistant role will be involved in purchasing and supply. Including setting up and managing suppliers, processing purchase orders, monitoring of KPIs and running reports based on ERP/MRP data. This is an exciting time to join us as we implement lean practices prioritising continuous improvement in managing material flow.

Wage

£16,477.50 a year

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Annual increases to be discussed

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 16:30

37 hours 30 minutes a week

Possible start date

Monday 5 May

Duration

3 years

Positions available

1

Work

As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you’ll do at work

Raise purchase orders for production consumables
Support Purchasers and Supplier Quality Engineers with strategic activities related to supplier evaluation, onboarding and performance management
Review and manage open orders to ensure on time delivery
Run reports on supplier KPIs (cost, quality, delivery, sustainability) and present them in regular Purchasing meetings
Support the team in identifying root causes of invoice variances and investigate queries
Support Planning team with warehouse replenishment of manufactured goods by matching MRP demand with works orders based on stock available and manufacturing capacity
Analyse KPI reports (late orders, open works orders, zero stock) with the aim of identifying opportunities for continuous improvement
Participate in continuous improvement activities that map the flow of material from vendor through production to warehouse replenishment

Where you’ll work

204 Lancaster Way Business Park

Ely

Cambridgeshire

CB6 3NX

Training

An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.

College or training organisation

THE APPRENTICE ACADEMY LIMITED

Your training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Equal to A level

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

Business Administrator Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

English (grade 4)
Maths (grade 4)

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
Presentation skills
Administrative skills
Number skills
Logical
Team working
Initiative

About this company

Thorlabs is a vertically integrated photonics products manufacturer that serves the laser and electro-optics research market. Headquartered in New Jersey, USA, the company has manufacturing locations within North America, Europe, Asia, and South America. Thorlabs Ltd is based in Ely, Cambridgeshire and in recent years has invested in training to equip team members to apply lean practices and continuous improvement.

http://www.thorlabs.com (opens in new tab)

Company benefits

Free parking, in house customised training, free refreshments, entertainment area and large canteen. Pension, healthcare, 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays.

Disability Confident

A fair proportion of interviews for this apprenticeship will be offered to applicants with a disability or long-term health condition. This includes non-visible disabilities and conditions.

You can choose to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident scheme. You’ll need to meet the essential requirements to be considered for an interview.

After this apprenticeship

Potential for a role within Purchasing, Planning, or another relevant team within the company after the completion of the apprenticeship

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