Apprentice Purchasing Assistant

Ping Europe Ltd; Gainsborough CP; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading golf equipment manufacturer in Gainsborough is seeking an Apprentice Purchasing Assistant to support the Purchasing Department while gaining hands-on experience and formal training. Responsibilities include assisting with procurement data entry, maintaining records, and communicating with suppliers. Candidates must meet GCSE requirements in English and Maths and possess strong communication and organisational skills. This apprenticeship offers a blend of practical and educational training, helping to build a solid foundation in business administration.

Qualifications

• GCSE requirements in English and Maths at grade 4.
• Effective communication both verbally and in writing.
• Strong organisational and administrative capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Purchasing Department in various administrative tasks.
• Assist with procurement processes including data entry.
• Communicate with suppliers to confirm orders and resolve discrepancies.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organization skills

Problem-solving skills

Team working

Education

GCSE English (grade 4)

GCSE Maths (grade 4)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Overview

Based at Ping Europe’s headquarters in Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, the Apprentice Purchasing Assistant will support the Purchasing Department while learning the fundamentals of the role. The successful candidate will assist with the buying of goods and stock control in line with company procedures, developing skills to eventually take on more responsibility. This role combines practical workplace responsibilities with formal apprenticeship training at a local college to build strong foundations in business administration, purchasing and logistics.

Responsibilities

• Learn, understand and use company procurement software and company procedures.
• Assist with purchase order data entry and processing requisitions.
• Support the team with day‑to‑day administration and operational tasks.
• Communicate with suppliers to request quotes, follow up on orders, confirm delivery schedules and resolve order discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate records within the procurement system, spreadsheets and databases.
• Work with internal departments to ensure purchasing requirements are met on time.
• Oversee purchasing and inventory control of an assigned range of products.
• Learn and apply procurement best practices, including compliance, data cleansing, departmental housekeeping and system sweeping duties.
• Use multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data (e.g., MS Office or equivalent). Choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Update and review databases, produce data analysis where required.
• Produce accurate records and documents including emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Make recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Draft correspondence, write reports, review others’ work and maintain confidential information in compliance with the organisation’s procedures. Coach others in the required processes.
• Exercise proactivity and good judgement. Make effective decisions based on sound reasoning and handle challenges maturely. Seek advice from more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Build and maintain positive relationships within the team and across the organisation. Demonstrate ability to influence and challenge appropriately, becoming a role model and developing coaching skills as knowledge grows.
• Demonstrate good communication skills (face‑to‑face, telephone, written, digital platforms). Use appropriate channels and present authority appropriately. Answer questions from inside and outside the organisation, representing the company or department.
• Complete tasks to a high standard, apply required expertise, review processes autonomously and suggest improvements. Share best practice across the organisation and coach colleagues to perform tasks correctly. Apply problem‑solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and act as a key contact for addressing issues.
• Take responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, managing priorities and time to meet deadlines. Positively manage colleagues’ expectations at all levels, set a positive example, suggest improvements to working practice and understand broader implications. Manage resources (equipment or facilities), organise meetings, take minutes and create action logs. Take responsibility for logistics such as travel and accommodation.
• Use relevant project‑management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plan required resources to deliver projects and lead projects as required.

Training & Qualifications

Training will be delivered at North Lindsey College where you will access a wide range of facilities on offer. You will undertake the Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship standard and functional skills for English and/or maths if needed. Training will be a mix of on‑ and off‑the‑job learning by industry‑qualified professionals.

GCSE requirements:

• English (grade 4)
• Maths (grade 4)

Additional preferred qualifications and skills:

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem‑solving skills
• Presentation skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical thinking
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non‑judgemental attitude
• Patience

Other Requirements

You must be able to travel to and from work and college. Apprentices are paid for their normal working hours and for training that is part of the apprenticeship (usually one day per week). The Apprenticeship National Minimum Wage guide is updated every April (ANMW).

All applicants must declare any relevant criminal convictions or pending investigations as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Relevant offences include those against a person (violent, sexual, theft) or involving drugs or controlled substances. A declaration will result in a risk assessment to determine if the applicant poses a risk to the welfare or safety of others. Minor warnings, cautions and non‑serious convictions (e.g., speeding fines) are excluded.

About Ping

PING is a family‑owned golf manufacturer founded in 1959, producing high‑performance custom‑fit golf equipment and apparel. Ping Europe assembles and distributes equipment across the UK, Ireland, Europe, Iceland, South Africa and the Middle East from its headquarters in Gainsborough. The European headquarters employs over 250 people in manufacturing, operations, marketing, sales and finance.