COBA Plastics Group

Purchasing and Planning Apprentice (Level 3)

Full Time
Fleckey, Leicestershire

About COBA

COBA Plastics Group is a leading global manufacturer specialising in high-quality extruded and moulded plastic solutions. Serving a diverse range of industries including automotive, healthcare, construction and industrial sectors, we are committed to delivering innovative, high-performance products.

At COBA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud of our collaborative culture and are driven by our core values of Care, Optimism, Belief and Adaptability.

 

About the Role

We are looking for a motivated and organised individual to join our Purchasing and Planning Team as a Purchasing and Planning Apprentice.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience across both procurement and production planning, supporting the sourcing, ordering and availability of materials required for manufacturing operations.

You will work closely with purchasing and planning teams, developing an understanding of how supplier performance, procurement activity and production scheduling work together to ensure continuity of supply and operational efficiency.

Alongside your role, you will study towards the Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant apprenticeship standard, combining practical experience with structured development.

 

Key Responsibilities

Purchasing and Procurement Support

  • Support the raising and processing of purchase orders in line with company policies
  • Assist with obtaining supplier quotations and comparing pricing to support value-for-money decisions
  • Maintain accurate purchasing and supplier records within internal systems
  • Support supplier set-up and basic due diligence activities
  • Assist with resolving purchase order, delivery and invoice queries
  • Respond to internal purchasing queries in a timely and professional manner

Production Planning and Demand Management Exposure

  • Support monitoring of material demand based on production schedules
  • Assist with tracking purchase orders, deliveries and stock availability
  • Contribute to basic demand and trend analysis using spreadsheets and systems
  • Work with Production, Logistics and Planning teams to ensure availability of materials

Supplier and Stakeholder Engagement

  • Communicate with suppliers regarding orders and delivery dates
  • Build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders across departments

Governance, Compliance and Development

  • Follow procurement policies and procedures at all times
  • Maintain accurate documentation and records
  • Actively participate in apprenticeship training and development activities

 

Personal Specification
Essential
  • GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths
  • Interest in procurement, purchasing, supply chain or production planning
  • Strong attention to detail with a methodical approach
  • Basic IT skills, including use of spreadsheets and systems
  • Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team
  • Positive attitude towards learning and development

Desirable

  • Awareness of manufacturing, supply chain or logistics environments
  • Interest in data analysis, forecasting or stock control
  • Previous experience or study in a business or operational environment

Personal Attributes

  • Professional, reliable and respectful
  • Proactive and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
  • Open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
  • Ethical, compliant and conscientious approach to work
  • Enthusiasm for developing a broad, multi-skilled role

 

Hours of Work

Monday to Thursday: 08:30 – 17:00

Friday: 08:30 – 16:00

39 hours per week (including a 30-minute lunch break)

 

Our Values

At COBA, we live by our core values:

Care – Whatever we do, we do it with care

Optimism – Our ambition and positivity drive us forward

Belief – We believe in our people and our business

Adaptability – We embrace change and continuously improve

 

Benefits

Onsite subsidised café

Onsite gym

Royal London Pension Scheme

Company-provided financial advice

Life assurance scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

24-hour GP service

Cycle to Work scheme

 

How to Apply

To apply for this opportunity, please submit your application via the Government apprenticeship service:

👉 https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/apprenticeship/VAC2000033062

Closing Date: 29 June 2026