Job Summary
We are looking for a motivated and ambitious Business Administration Apprentice to join our established electrical and mechanical engineering company based in Colchester.
While the apprenticeship will begin with office administration, customer service and business support duties, this is not intended to be a long-term administration role. The successful candidate will be developed with the aim of progressing into purchasing, procurement and operational support within the business.
During the apprenticeship, you will gain a thorough understanding of how our business operates, including job management, invoicing, customer communication and administration. This knowledge will provide the foundation for progression into supplier management, purchasing, materials procurement, stock control and stores operations.
Following successful completion of the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship, there may be the opportunity to undertake further Procurement and Supply qualifications to support your career development.
This role is ideally suited to someone looking to build a long-term career in procurement, purchasing and business operations, rather than someone seeking a purely administrative position. We are looking for a reliable, organised and proactive individual who is keen to learn, take on responsibility and become a key member of our team.
In return, we offer full training, employer pension contributions above the statutory minimum, genuine career progression opportunities and the chance to develop into an important role within a well-established engineering business.
Responsibilities
- Adding new jobs, quotations and customer information to the company management system.
- Updating engineer labour, timesheets and job records accurately and in a timely manner.
- Assisting with the preparation and processing of customer invoices.
- Answering telephone calls and responding to customer and supplier enquiries professionally.
- Managing emails and supporting the day-to-day administration of the office.
- Maintaining accurate electronic and paper-based records.
- Assisting with scheduling and coordinating engineering works.
- Liaising with customers, suppliers and colleagues to support the smooth running of the business.
- Learning company procedures, workflows and business operations to gain a full understanding of the job lifecycle.
- Assisting with raising purchase orders and obtaining supplier quotations.
- Supporting purchasing activities and material procurement as experience develops.
- Assisting with stock control, stores administration and supplier management.
- Monitoring material orders and helping ensure parts and equipment are available when required.
- Developing the skills and knowledge required to progress into a purchasing and procurement role within the business.
Qualifications
Essential:
- Predicted or achieved GCSE English and Maths Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards achieving these qualifications as part of the apprenticeship if required.
- Basic IT and computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office applications.
- Good written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work accurately and pay attention to detail.
Desirable:
- GCSEs in additional subjects at Grade 4/C or above.
- Previous work experience, volunteering, school responsibilities or extracurricular activities demonstrating reliability and organisation.
- An interest in business operations, purchasing, procurement or supply chain management.
Work Location: In person
