Job Description
Job Title: Procurement Apprentice
Location: Port of Tilbury
Compensation: £20,393
Start Date: 1st July 2025
Forth Ports is one of the UK's largest and most dynamic port operator groups, playing a key role in connecting the UK with Europe and beyond. As a multimodal ports owner and operator, we are at the forefront of delivering innovative port-related services. With our recent pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero status by 2042, we are committed to sustainability and driving the expansion of the UK's renewable energy sector, particularly offshore wind. Now is an exciting time to join our team as we embark on this transformative journey towards a greener future.
We are proud to have hired Apprentices into our business for over 4 decades, and they remain an integral part of our talent pipeline. We are once again excited to be adding a number of Apprentices to our workforce in 2025. Whether you are looking to begin your career, are considering a career change or a return to the world of work, we would love to hear from you.
At Forth Ports, we have an opportunity for a motivated individual the chance to kick-start their career with our Procurement apprenticeship. Over 18 months, you'll gain hands on experience in supply chain management, purchasing, and contract management, develop valuable skills, and work towards a Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (CIPS) Level 3 qualification—all while earning as you learn. Following the apprenticeship, there is opportunity for further qualifications and professional development.
We will hold our assessment day for this role on 29th April 2025 at the Port of Tilbury, where you will have the chance to meet some of the team and to find out more about the role and the apprenticeship. We will be in touch before then to let you know if you have been selected to attend.
Beyond our gates, your career awaits—are you ready to start your journey?
About The Role
What you will learn:
During your apprenticeship, you will gain hands-on experience in procurement and supply chain operations and will learn how to source and purchase goods and services, prepare and issue purchase orders, and ensure compliance with company policies. You will develop skills in supplier relationship management, including obtaining quotes, negotiating prices, and ensuring timely deliveries.
You will also have the opportunity to conduct market research to identify and assess potential suppliers, review and manage contracts, and work closely with internal teams to meet procurement needs. You will build expertise in maintaining accurate procurement records, preparing reports and budgets, and contributing to process improvements that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
What can we offer you?
* Full support and training throughout the apprenticeship programme, both on the job training and classroom learning
* A great opportunity to build a long-term career at the port
* A competitive salary
* Generous annual leave entitlement – 34 days including bank holidays
* A defined contribution pension scheme and life assurance
* Health promotion events and employee wellbeing initiatives
* Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family
* Cycle to work scheme and on-site free parking
* Attractive Family Friendly Policies
* Employee discount platform offering discounts on UK-wide restaurants, car rentals, and holidays
* GymFlex health club memberships
* Supportive and collaborative work culture
What are we looking for?
* Must have English & Maths GCSE Grade 4 or above or equivalent
* Individuals who are able to demonstrate a keen interest in procurement, supply chain management, or logistics
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Excellent attention to detail and organisational abilities
* Proactive and enthusiastic with a willingness to learn
* Ability to work effectively as part of a team
* Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
* Good problem-solving skills with a logical approach to tasks
* Full UK working rights
* UK driving licence required
We welcome applications from candidates of all ages to apply, but please note due to the nature of our work, we do require all candidates to be a minimum of 18 years of age.
We value diversity and inclusivity, and we are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and will consider all applications for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability status.
What is the Application Process?
1. Application: Apply via the link on our vacancies page with your updated CV and cover letter detailing your interest in the position. Please note the deadline for applications is Friday 28th February 2025.
2. Screening call: If your application is of interest, our Talent Acquisition team will be in touch for an initial discussion, answer any questions that you may have and invite you to the assessment centre.
3. Confirmation email: We will share an email to confirm what to expect at the assessment centre, anything that you need to prepare and what to bring on the day.
4. Assessment Day: You meet the team and get a great feel for why Forth Ports is for you! This will take place on 29th April 2025.
We recognise that assessment centres may not be the best fit for everyone, so we are committed to offering alternative recruitment methods to ensure a fair and accessible process for all candidates.
Skills Needed
About The Company
Over our 50 years of experience we have witnessed our ports grow to become important assets to support and deliver growth both for the UK and local economies. The growth impact has been achieved due to the continued investments in our infrastructure, making sure that our ports are able to continually develop their services and support the growth of many industries.Our people have played a significant role. They have delivered the highest quality of service through their expertise, loyalty and flexibility and, without them, we could not have built the strong reputation and the long term agreements with many customers that we have today.
Company Culture
Welcome to Forth Ports Careers. As a leading port operator, we employ over 1,100 people across our ports in Scotland and the Port of Tilbury in London.A career in a port business is very rewarding. There is real variety within each role and significant opportunities for promotion and career development. Don’t just take our word for it; view the “Some of our People” section and the video below to gain insight into the kinds of jobs our employees do, how they’ve grown with us, and what motivates them each day.The port business can be seen as a barometer for the economy and this drives us to be adaptable and fast paced as we identify new business opportunities.
Desired Criteria
Required Criteria
* Must have English & Maths GCSE Grade 4 or above or equivalent
* Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
* Will be aged 18 or above for 1st July start date
* Full UK working rights
* Full UK driving licence required
Closing DateFriday 28th February, 2025