What Does a Procurement and Supply Assistant Actually Do?

When people hear “procurement”, they often think of buying things. But procurement is much more than purchasing; it’s about making smart, ethical, and strategic decisions that keep businesses running smoothly and efficiently.

If you’re organised and great with people, a career in procurement and supply could be the perfect fit. The Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship with SRSCC is a brilliant way to get started.

Procurement assistant with supplier

The Role of a Procurement and Supply Assistant

A Procurement and Supply Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring that an organisation always has what it needs, from office supplies and PPE to manufacturing materials and professional services.

They help manage the entire procurement cycle: researching suppliers, comparing costs, raising purchase orders, supporting negotiations, and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and suppliers.

This entry-level position is perfect for school or college leavers or anyone new to procurement who wants to build a long-term career in business, operations, or supply chain management.

What Does a Procurement Assistant Actually Do Day-to-Day?

Here’s what a typical week might involve:
  • Raising and managing purchase orders using procurement systems Researching suppliers and markets to find the best deals and sustainable options
  • Analysing spend data to identify savings or efficiency opportunities Supporting contract administration, ensuring all documents and records are accurate and compliant
  • Assisting with tenders and quotations, helping evaluate which supplier offers the best value for money
  • Communicating with suppliers and colleagues, ensuring goods and services arrive on time and meet expectations

In short, Procurement and Supply Assistants are a key part of a successful procurement team: detail-oriented, proactive, and focused on achieving the best results for their organisation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours You’ll Develop

Through the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship, learners develop key knowledge in:
  • Procurement and supply operations
  • Ethical procurement and responsible sourcing
  • Contract administration
  • Market and supplier research
  • Dynamics and change within supply chains

You’ll also strengthen skills in communication, data analysis, stakeholder management, and decision-making, while learning professional behaviours such as integrity, adaptability, and attention to detail.
Procurement and supply assistant with clipboard

Earn While You Learn

As an apprentice, you’ll earn while you learn, gaining practical experience in the workplace alongside studying towards the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations.

Training is delivered flexibly through classroom sessions in Preston, virtual classrooms, and SRSCC’s Independent Learning Zone (ILZ), giving you the freedom to learn in a way that fits your lifestyle and career goals.

Switching providers

Why Choose SRSCC?

SRSCC has been delivering successful procurement and supply training since 2007, with a proven track record of high achievement rates and excellent employer partnerships.

All tutors are MCIPS or FCIPS-qualified professionals with real-world experience in procurement and supply chain management, ensuring that your learning is practical, relevant, and engaging.

Career Progression

Upon completion, you’ll be qualified to take on roles such as:

  • Procurement Assistant
  • Supply Chain Coordinator
  • Buyer or Junior Buyer

Purchasing Administrator

And with your CIPS Level 3 qualification, you’ll have a direct pathway to CIPS Level 4 and the Commercial Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship, accelerating your journey toward becoming a Chartered Procurement Professional.

Build Your Future in Procurement

Procurement is a fast-paced, high-impact profession, and the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow across public and private sectors.

By starting with a Procurement and Supply Assistant Apprenticeship, you’ll gain the experience, qualifications, and confidence to thrive in a dynamic and rewarding career.

Procurement and Supply Operations at SRSCC

Build Your Future in Procurement

Find out more or register your interest today Contact Us

SHARE THIS POST

Discover our CIPS Courses

Our courses are designed to accelerate your career in the procurement and supply chain industries. If you would like to learn more about our courses, call the SRSCC team on 01772 282555 or complete our contact form. Start your journey to success today.

CIPS Level 3

Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations.

CIPS Level 4

Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

CIPS Level 5

Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

CIPS Level 6

Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

Related Posts

Want to learn more? Contact our team now

What Does a Procurement and Supply Assistant Actually Do?
2025-10-20T09:00:02+00:00
Eric Martindale
Bethanie Stimpson SRSCC

Bethanie Stimpson

Progress Mentor

Bethanie began her career in the fitness industry, working as a personal trainer and gym instructor before becoming involved in coaching children through a triathlon club. This experience sparked her passion for working with young people and ultimately led her into a career in education. She initially worked in a nursery and later as a one-to-one teaching assistant in a primary school, before completing her teaching qualification and postgraduate studies. Since then, Bethanie has taught in both the private and state education sectors.

Her academic background includes a qualification in Sports Development, Fitness and Coaching at college, alongside a Childhood & Youth undergraduate degree (2:1). These studies have enabled her to combine her interests in sport, education, and child development, shaping her holistic approach to teaching and mentoring.

Bethanie is passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals — educationally, personally, and in terms of wellbeing. She places strong emphasis on communication and relationship building, and takes great pride in helping individuals build confidence and overcome challenges. One of her proudest achievements has been supporting learners who initially doubted themselves to grow in confidence and achieve success.

Outside of work, Bethanie has always maintained a strong interest in sport. She previously competed in triathlons and now focuses on running and swimming. In 2023, she completed the London Marathon — an achievement she is particularly proud of. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and their two dogs, which is where she is happiest when not working.

Jazz Bachra SRSCC

Jazz Bachra

Apprenticeship Skills Coach

With over fifteen years of experience in leadership and learning development, Jazz is an accomplished coach and mentor who is passionate about helping individuals achieve their full potential.

He specialises in delivering customer-focused strategies that drive brand differentiation and sustainable business growth, built on a foundation of colleague engagement and continuous learning.
Jazz holds a BA (Hons) in Micro Computing Business Applications from the British Columbian Institute of Technology and a BTEC National Diploma in Business and Computing from London College. He has also achieved a range of professional qualifications, including Education and Training Level 3, and multiple apprenticeship standards such as Operations Manager Level 5, Retail Manager Level 4, and Team Leader Level 3.

Throughout his career, Jazz has developed and inspired high-performing teams across a variety of sectors, creating environments that encourage accountability, growth, and collaboration. His experience includes designing and delivering impactful training programmes, coaching learners to distinction-level results, and building meaningful partnerships with organisations nationwide.

Outside of work, Jazz enjoys keeping active at the gym, playing football, travelling having previously lived in Vancouver, Canada and listening to a wide range of music. He also enjoys relaxing with a good film.

Jack Callaghan

Jack Moore

Operations Team Leader

In December 2023, Jack joined SRSCC as an Operations Coordinator and quickly established himself as a key member of the team.

Promoted to Team Leader in October 2024, Jack utilises his expertise in auditing processes and innovative problem-solving to identify and enhance growth opportunities.

Jack possesses a strong ability to analyse and refine systems and procedures, consistently uncovering chances for streamlining and automation that drive operational efficiency. He excels at communicating complex ideas with clarity and precision.

Detail-oriented yet big-picture focused, Jack applies his exceptional organisational skills to ensure the team adopts the most effective strategies for achieving both individual and collective goals.

His methodical approach and strategic mindset make Jack an invaluable asset to SRSCC, significantly contributing to the team’s success and the realisation of organisational objectives.