Join our Early Careers Programme – Procurement Apprentice

Commencing October 2026

STADA UK Thornton & Ross is on an exciting growth journey with more than 700 employees being fully committed to our purpose of Caring for People’s Health as a Trusted Partner. Together we are shaping the future of Thornton & Ross by living our values of Integrity, Entrepreneurship, Agility and One STADA.

STADA UK Thornton & Ross – Procurement Apprentice

Huddersfield | U.K. | Full-time | Apprenticeship (Fixed-Term)

Build your procurement career across sourcing, sustainability, manufacturing and digital transformation — starting with Business Admin Level 3 to understand our business and then completing Procurement and Supply Chain Level 4 to gain specialist knowledge in procurement. 3 years, 2 courses, 1 exceptional programme.

This programme offers meaningful, hands-on experience across four core procurement disciplines. You will build both breadth and depth by completing a rotation in each area, gaining a well-rounded understanding of how procurement supports a regulated healthcare and manufacturing business. This programme is designed to develop well-rounded procurement professionals, with potential progression into roles such as Indirect Buyer, Direct Buyer, Category Buyer, Procurement Analyst or Procurement Excellence roles.

Key Information

• Starting salary of £17,500 – this will be reviewed regularly in line with your progress through your apprenticeship
• Duration: 3 Years (5th October 2026 – 26th October 2029)
• The Business Admin Level 3 and then Procurement and Supply Chain Level 4 courses will be provided by The Apprentice Academy, approximately 1 day per week at college, remotely delivered on site at Linthwaite.

How You Will Make an Impact

• Rotate across four procurement specialisms (Indirect, Category, Excellence and Direct), gaining a 360° view of how purchasing supports a modern, regulated business.
• Get hands-on with live sourcing, negotiations and supplier management, building real commercial skills from day one.
• Work with teams across Finance, Legal, IT, Operations, Quality and Supply Chain, developing strong stakeholder and relationship-building skills.
• Build digital and analytical capability using tools like SAP and Ariba, turning data into insight and helping improve processes and controls.
• Learn how ESG, sustainability and responsible sourcing are embedded into procurement strategies, contracts and supplier performance.
• Develop a practical understanding of how procurement protects continuity of supply, supports manufacturing and strengthens overall business resilience.

What We Are Looking For

• A strong interest in procurement, business or supply chain
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Good organisational ability and attention to detail
• A proactive mindset and willingness to learn
• Comfort working with data and Microsoft Office tools
• Interest in healthcare, manufacturing, sustainability or regulated environments would be an advantage
• Educated to a minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English at grade C/4 or above

No previous Procurement experience is required – full training will be provided.

How we care for you

At Thornton & Ross our purpose “Caring for people’s health as a trusted partner” motivates us every day. And what would be a better place than starting with our own employees. Which is why we give much in return:

💸 Competitive starting salary and annual bonus scheme

🗝 Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme offering 6% employer contribution

✨ Opportunity to engage in our Early Careers Programme alongside apprentices, students and graduates across the organisation

🌴 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy up to 5 additional days

🥗 On-site subsidised canteen

🏥 Health benefits via Medicash Health Cash Plan

💉 Free winter flu vaccination

🧠 Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme and KYAN Wellbeing

🚲 Cycle to Work Scheme

👪 Enhanced Family Leave

🎉 Plus many additional employee benefits and engagement events

STADA Group values and promotes its diverse culture, regardless of gender, age, social or ethnic origin, disabilities, religion, ideology, or sexual orientation. We use the strength of our uniqueness to develop creative ideas, expand our experience and increase innovative strength. Our focus is on equal opportunities, respectful cooperation, and the promotion of an inclusive working environment. We are looking forward to your application and welcome applications without a pharmaceutical background.

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