Procurement Apprentice at SOAS University of London

Learn about SOAS procurement policies and procedures, and how to follow them. Organise and attend customer and supplier meetings to learn about how the supply chain works. Attend relevant meetings and sector webinars to gain an excellent understanding of procurement in higher education and the wider public sector. Learn industry best practice around public and private procurement, contract management, supplier relationship management, and risk management including how Framework Agreements contribute to success. Learn about the role of sustainability, quality, diversity and inclusion in procurement Work with colleagues across SOAS to develop professional relationships, understand how departments work together and how a university operates. Study Level 3 of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

Key Tasks

Provide guidance and advice to internal and external stakeholders based on the content of the SOAS procurement policy. Support Procurement processes by conducting appropriate market research, drafting simple specifications and requesting quotes. Evaluate/analyse supplier bids/tenders and provide advice to stakeholders on which presents the best value and where risk lies. Produce ad-hoc data analysis, presentations, guidance and reports regarding procurement activity to aid strategic department and stakeholder decision-making. Take responsibility for supporting departments in setting up new suppliers on our finance system. Support departments by answering questions about raising purchase orders on our finance system. Working with the Accounts Payable team (1–2 days per week), take responsibility for inputting invoices, expense claims, and other purchase ledger/general ledger transactions in accordance with the School’s financial regulations and procedures. Assist in departmental or supplier meetings, recording minutes and keeping stakeholders updated with information. Using appropriate, identified tools, analyse and present supplier data to provide departments with the information to make informed decisions regarding their requirements. Support the delivery of training to those interested in Procurement, presenting information and answering questions as appropriate. Lead on the development of a suite of training / guidance / information documents which easily explain procurement activity.   Using Microsoft Office applications develop and present appropriate information for the procurement team, including writing news stories and content for the SOAS Intranet.

Training:

Procurement and supply assistant (Level 3).

Training Outcome:

Following the successful completion of this apprenticeship, it is expected that the individual would be able to apply for Buyer or Junior category manager roles within higher education or the private sector.

Employer Description:
SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East.  SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.

Working Hours :
Monday - Friday. Times to be confirmed.

Skills:
Organisation skills,Communication skills