Operations & Purchasing Apprentice

System Hygiene Ltd; Altham; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 14,000; Full time

Job summary

System Hygiene Ltd is seeking an Operations & Purchasing Apprentice in England. You will learn how purchasing, stock control and operations drive a business, gaining practical experience while working toward a recognised qualification.

You will join a supportive team with exposure to ordering, warehouse coordination and using Excel to monitor stock and performance. No prior experience is required; a proactive attitude and willingness to learn are valued.

Qualifications

• No previous experience is required.
• Keen to learn and develop in operations, purchasing and supply chain management.

Responsibilities

• Assist with placing purchase orders and supplier communications.
• Monitor stock levels and support stock checks.
• Help coordinate warehouse activities and inter-team workflows.
• Maintain records and reporting using Excel and business systems.

Skills

Organised

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Motivated

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Start your career. Learn new skills. Build your future with us.

Are you organised, motivated and keen to learn how a successful business operates? Do you enjoy problem-solving, working with people and making sure things run smoothly?

System Hygiene Ltd is looking for an enthusiastic Operations & Purchasing Apprentice to join our team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to begin a career in operations, purchasing and supply chain management while gaining practical experience and working towards a recognised qualification.

You will learn how products move through the business, from purchasing stock from suppliers to ensuring customer orders can be fulfilled accurately and on time.

No previous experience is necessary. We are looking for someone with the right attitude, a willingness to learn and the ambition to develop.

You will work alongside experienced members of the team, gaining hands‑on experience across purchasing, stock management and business operations.

Purchasing and supplier management

• Assist with placing purchase orders and ensuring stock is ordered at the right time.
• Communicate with suppliers regarding orders, delivery dates and stock availability.
• Monitor outstanding purchase orders and follow up on delayed deliveries.
• Help maintain accurate purchasing records and supplier information.
• Learn how purchasing decisions affect costs, stock levels and customer service.

Stock control and inventory management

• Help monitor stock levels and identify products that need replenishing.
• Assist with stock checks and investigate discrepancies.
• Learn how to maintain appropriate stock levels while avoiding overstocking.
• Support the identification of slow‑moving, fast‑moving and discontinued products.
• Help ensure stock information is accurate and up to date.

Operations and warehouse coordination

• Gain an understanding of how the warehouse, purchasing, sales and customer service teams work together.
• Help investigate stock shortages, delivery delays and order discrepancies.
• Assist with improving processes to make the business more efficient.
• Support the team in ensuring customer orders can be fulfilled accurately and on time.
• Help identify opportunities to reduce waste, save time and improve operational performance.

Administration and business systems

• Maintain accurate records using Microsoft Excel and the company's business systems.
• Update order information, delivery dates and stock records.
• Prepare reports and assist with monitoring key performance indicators.
• Develop an understanding of how data is used to make purchasing and operational decisions.

This apprenticeship is designed to provide a strong foundation for a career in business operations and supply chain management. With experience and successful development, potential progression routes could include:

• Purchasing Assistant
• Stock Control or Inventory Coordinator
• Supply Chain Coordinator
• Purchasing Executive
• Operations Coordinator

Longer‑term opportunities may include progressing into purchasing management or operations management, depending on performance, experience and business requirements. If you are keen to learn, enjoy being organised and want to build a career in purchasing and operations, we would love to hear from you.