Purchasing and Planning Apprentice

Purchasing and Procurement Support:

Support the raising and processing of purchase orders for low-risk and low-value goods and services in line with COBA Plastics Group policies and approval levels Assist with obtaining quotations, comparing supplier pricing and supporting value-for-money assessments, considering quality, cost, delivery and sustainability factors Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier records within procurement systems to support reporting, audit and compliance requirements Assist with supplier set-up and basic due-diligence activities under the guidance of senior colleagues Support the resolution of purchase order, delivery and invoice queries by liaising with suppliers, planning teams and finance Respond to internal purchasing requests and queries in a timely, professional manner

Production Planning and Demand Management Exposure:

Support the Production Planning team with monitoring demand for materials, components and services based on production schedules and forecasts Assist with tracking open purchase orders, delivery commitments and stock availability, highlighting potential supply risks that could impact production Contribute to basic demand, usage and trend analysis using spreadsheets and internal systems to support purchasing and planning decisions Work collaboratively with Production, Logistics and Planning teams to ensure materials and services are available to meet manufacturing requirements

Supplier and Stakeholder Engagement:

Communicate with suppliers regarding orders, delivery dates and basic queries, escalating issues where required Build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders across purchasing, planning, operations, quality and finance

Governance, Compliance and Development:

Follow procurement policies, procedures and delegated authorities at all times, supporting responsible and ethical procurement practices Ensure all procurement and planning documentation is accurately filed and maintained Actively participate in apprenticeship training, reviews and development activities, demonstrating commitment to learning and continuous improvement

Training:
80% of this apprenticeship is working with the employer and 20% is 'off the job' training, which includes attending weekly online live lessons

Training Outcome:
The potential progression following this apprenticeship is to study for CIPS Level 4 and to become a Supply Chain Planner within the organisation

Employer Description:

COBA Plastics Group is a leading global manufacturer specialising in high-quality extruded and moulded plastic solutions. Serving a diverse range of industries including automotive, healthcare, construction and industrial sectors, we are committed to delivering innovative, high-performance products.

At COBA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our collaborative culture and are driven by our core values of Care, Optimism, Belief and Adaptability.

Working Hours :
Monday to Thursday, 08:30 - 17:00 and Friday, 08:30 - 16:00. (30-minute lunch)

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Attention to detail,Organisation skills,Problem solving skills,Administrative skills,Number skills,Team working