Job Title: Procurement Apprentice
Location: Port of Tilbury
Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Compensation: £21,127
Start Date: September 2026
At Forth Ports, we keep trade, logistics, and infrastructure moving. Every day, our teams support the flow of goods, materials, and services that businesses and communities rely on, helping to power economic growth across the UK and beyond. Our people are at the core of everything we do, and their expertise, commitment, and innovation drive our success.
With our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2032 and Net Zero by 2042, we're investing heavily in sustainable and digital technologies, including major growth in offshore wind and greener port operations. For you, this means joining a business that's evolving, ambitious, and making a real difference.
About The Role
About the role
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 we're looking for:
We're looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual who is eager to start a career in procurement and supply chain. You'll be naturally organised, enjoy working with people, and have a keen eye for detail. You'll be someone who is curious, proactive and willing to learn, with the confidence to ask questions and take on new challenges.
This role would suit someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with numbers and data, and building positive relationships with colleagues and suppliers. You'll be comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team, with a professional approach and a commitment to delivering high-quality work.
This is a site-based apprenticeship, so flexibility and a full UK driving licence are essential. You'll also attend your apprenticeship training alongside your role, giving you the opportunity to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed for a successful career in procurement.
Skills & Qualifications:
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Must have English & Maths GCSE Grade 4 or above or equivalent
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Individuals who are able to demonstrate a keen interest in procurement, supply chain management, or logistics
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Strong communication and interpersonal skills
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Excellent attention to detail and organisational abilities
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Proactive and enthusiastic with a willingness to learn
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Ability to work effectively as part of a team
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Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
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Good problem-solving skills with a logical approach to tasks
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Full UK working rights
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UK driving licence required
What Forth Ports can offer you
At Forth Ports, our people are our priority, and we are committed to creating a flexible, open, and supportive working culture. As part of our team, you will enjoy
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A competitive salary
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Generous annual leave entitlement
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Defined contribution pension scheme with up to 16.5% joint contribution plus life assurance at 4x salary
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In‑house Occupational Health — Provides professional workplace health advice, support, and guidance for employees across all sites
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Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) — Delivered through Health Assured, offering 24/7, 365‑day confidential wellbeing support via the Wisdom app or telephone access, covering mental health, financial advice, legal guidance, and emotional wellbeing
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Physiotherapy Support — Access to physiotherapy sessions through three external providers in Scotland, plus an onsite physiotherapist once per week in Tilbury
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An annual Christmas thank you gift of a complimentary turkey or meat-free alternative for all employees
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GymFlex health club memberships offering discounted access to gyms including Nuffield Health, PureGym, Anytime Fitness, The Gym Group, and selected local gyms
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Cycle to Work scheme to support affordable, sustainable commuting
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On-site free parking available for all employees
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Attractive family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity cover
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Employee discount platform providing savings on UK-wide restaurants, retail, car rentals, days out, and holidays
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.
As a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant, we are committed to ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged in their civilian careers because of their service.
We welcome applications from veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers, and military spouses/partners, and we actively support flexible and inclusive recruitment practices.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a cover letter when submitting your application via the ‘Apply Now’ link.
Required Criteria
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Must have English & Maths GCSE Grade 4 or above or equivalent
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Full UK working rights
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UK driving licence required
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.
Company Benefits
We are committed to creating a positive working culture for all employees, as well as a good work-life balance.
Here are just some of the benefits of working for Forth Ports.
Vacation, Paid time off, Paid sick days, Retirement plan and/or pension, Employee discounts, Gym membership or wellness programs, Cycle to work, Competitive salary, Employee Assistance Scheme
Salary
£21,127.00 per year
