Procurement Apprentice

-; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialty chemicals company based in the UK is looking for a Procurement Apprentice to support various purchasing activities and supplier management. This role offers the chance to develop key skills in problem-solving and commercial thinking within a supportive environment. The apprentice will gain practical experience in procurement operations and has the potential for future career advancement. Candidates should possess strong communication skills and a proactive mindset. A hybrid work arrangement is expected.

Benefits

Enhanced benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Mentorship support

Qualifications

• Ability to work in a team and collaborate effectively.
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and independent mindset.
• Development of Negotiation and Project Management skills.

Responsibilities

• Support daily operational tasks within the Procurement team.
• Engage with stakeholders across the UK and Europe.
• Understand procurement procedures, systems, and best practices.

Skills

Analytically minded

Problem solver

Strong communicator

Influencing Skills

Commercial Experience

Teamwork

Job description

Company Description

Leeds, Preston, Welwyn Garden City, England, United Kingdom

Full-time

Sika is a specialty chemicals company with a globally leading position in the development and production of systems and products for bonding, sealing, damping, reinforcing, and protection in the building sector and industry. Sika has subsidiaries in 102 countries around the world, produces in over 400 factories, and develops innovative technologies for customers worldwide. In doing so, it plays a crucial role in enabling the transformation of the construction and transportation industries toward greater environmental compatibility. In 2024, Sika's more than 34,000 employees generated annual sales of CHF 11.76 billion

Job Description

Purpose of the Role

The Procurement Apprentice role will work alongside the Procurement team to support a wide range of activities that contribute to effective purchasing and supplier management. You will be involved in day‑to‑day operational tasks, helping to ensure processes run smoothly while developing a strong understanding of procurement procedures, systems and best practices. The role will involve a blend of office‑based and home working and will require regular interaction with stakeholders across the UK and Europe.

The Opportunity

Kickstart your career in Procurement by developing core skills in problem-solving, commercial thinking and process improvement within a structured and supportive environment. Through hands‑on experience and professional training, you will build a solid foundation in procurement operations, supplier engagement and strategic purchasing – creating a strong platform for future career progression in a commercially focused organisation.

The Skills

• Joining the Procurement team will give you an insight into a strategic and key business function who are managing a significant amount of spend.
• This role will run with the CIPS professional accreditation (Level 4 – Diploma in Procurement and Supply).
• Additionally, Negotiation and Project Management skills will be developed and nurtured as this is a key part of being successful within Procurement.

Qualifications

• Analytically minded
• Problem solver
• Strong communicator and Influencing Skills
• Commercial Experience (desirable, not essential)
• Proactive, enthusiastic, and independent
• Ability to collaborate and work in a team

Additional Information

The Support

• At Sika, we hold a significant commitment to professional and personal development from day one.
• You will have a dedicated line manager and a mentor specifically selected to help you integrate into the business and overcome any challenges along the way.
• In addition, you will be an integral member of a supportive and welcoming team who will there every step of the way.

The Rewards

• A serious wage to reflect the importance of your contributions plus an enhanced benefits package.

The Future

• Potential to be offered a full‑time position within Sika.

Potential Career Routes

• The Procurement function sees this as a key potential for succession planning into both Buyer and Category Manager roles.