Business Administrator Apprenticeship

Stratford; Stratford-upon-Avon; Hybrid; GBP 13,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Stratford-upon-Avon based food import, wholesale and distribution company Stratford is offering a Business Development & Sales Support Apprentice role. You will gain hands-on experience in sales, customer service, CRM, administration and digital tools while identifying new customers and supporting sales enquiries.

Most of your apprenticeship is spent on the job with training provided. Wage starts at £14,560 for the first year, with potential increases based on age and performance.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at minimum grade C/4 or equivalent.
• Interest in business administration, sales support and customer service.
• Willingness to learn across multiple business functions.

Responsibilities

• Manage emails and respond to customer and supplier enquiries.
• Maintain filing systems and process correspondence.
• Schedule meetings and prepare meeting notes.
• Update CRM and company databases.
• Assist with import documentation and track shipments.
• Process customer orders and provide delivery updates.
• Process invoices and support finance data entry.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and quality procedures.

Skills

Communication

Organisation

IT & business software

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Teamwork

Education

GCSE English

GCSE Maths

Tools

CRM systems

MS Office

Job description

Closes in 10 days (Tuesday 22 September 2026 at 11:59pm)

Join us as a Business Development & Sales Support Apprentice and gain experience in sales, customer service, CRM, administration and digital business tools. You will help identify new customers, support sales enquiries and learn how a growing UK food business operates, with the chance to build a long-term career with us.

Wage

£14,560 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Administration & Office Support

• Managing emails and responding to customer and supplier enquiries.
• Maintaining electronic and paper filing systems.
• Processing incoming and outgoing correspondence.
• Scheduling meetings and preparing meeting notes.
• Updating company databases and CRM systems.
• Preparing reports, presentations, and business documents.

Import & Logistics Administration

• Assisting with the preparation of import documentation.
• Tracking international shipments and updating customers on delivery status.
• Liaising with freight forwarders, shipping agents, and courier companies.
• Monitoring delivery schedules and resolving shipment queries.
• Maintaining records of import orders and stock movements.
• Supporting customs clearance processes by collating required paperwork.

Customer Service

• Acting as a first point of contact for customers via phone and email.
• Processing customer orders and enquiries.
• Providing updates on delivery times and stock availability.
• Handling customer complaints and escalating issues whenrequired.
• Building positive relationships with customers and suppliers.
• Raising purchase orders and processing invoices.
• Maintaining supplier records and contact details.
• Supporting the procurement team with order tracking.
• Assistingwith supplier performance monitoring.
• Obtaining quotations from suppliers and comparing costs.

Finance & Data Management

• Inputting financial data into business systems.
• Processing invoices and matching purchase orders.
• Supporting credit control activities.
• Maintainingaccuraterecords and spreadsheets.
• Producing reports on sales, imports, and operational performance.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensuring import documentation isaccurateand compliant.
• Maintainingrecords required for customs and regulatory purposes.
• Supporting audits and compliance checks.
• Following company procedures relating to data protection and confidentiality.
• Assistingwith health and safety administration.

Skills Developed

• Communication with international customers and suppliers.
• Organisation and time management.
• IT and business softwareproficiency.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Problem solving and customer service.
• Understanding of international trade and import processes.
• Teamwork and professional workplace behaviours.

Where you'll work

195 LOXLEY ROAD
STRATFORD UPON AVON
CV37 7DU

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

• 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.

During your apprenticeship, you will be asked to attend college training daysfor 6 sessions, to support your development and knowledge, between these sessions aspecialist assessor will visit you every month at work, to help and support you.

Requirements

GCSE in:

• English (grade 4 or above)
• Maths (grade 4 or above)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Customer care skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Creative
• Initiative
• Physical fitness

About this employer

We are a Stratford-upon-Avon based food import, wholesale and distribution company supplying nuts, and food ingredients to businesses across the UK. Our customers include wholesalers, food manufacturers, bakeries, retailers, hospitality businesses and catering companies. We focus on quality products, reliable service and developing long-term relationships with our customers.

The reference code for this apprenticeship isVAC2000052183.