Sourcing Associate Review

• Electronic archiving and management of contracts using an online system. • Production of contract management data on a monthly basis. • Creating and managing Purchase Orders, invoicing issues and resolving payment queries to support projects. • Internal and external engagement with stakeholders when drafting and negotiating a range of contracts. • Supporting continuous improvement (LEAN) projects across Sourcing.

• Able to use own initiative and work well under pressure, ensuring deadlines are met and no projects delayed. • Ability to effectively adapt to change and maintain focus on the delivery of a project. • Flexibility to work on my own or as part of a team whilst maintaining enthusiasm and commitment to each project. • Extensive internal and external stakeholder management and influencing skills with global stakeholders regardless of position enabling successful collaboration and delivery. • Ability to take accountability for the delivery of projects. • Pragmatic in my approach to tasks. • Demonstrable leadership and coaching skills enabling me to lead numerous projects, transferring learning and good practice with colleagues.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the programme at AstraZeneca and found the experience to be invaluable. I have learnt hands on experience from industry leading experts and been readily offered advice and support when needed. I have been able to directly apply my degree learning into my day to day role and responsibilities, being able to benefit the organisation.

The programme is well organised from the perspective of AstraZeneca but I often experienced uncertainty and confusion regarding specific details of the programme from the training provider. This did cause some issues and directly impacted my progress through the programme of study, but was efficiently resolved with support from AstraZeneca.

The support offered from AstraZeneca has been invaluable and readily available when needed. I have an Apprentice Mentor serving as a point of contact for any questions or issues and regularly receive development support to progress my learning and career opportunities. I have also experienced a wealth of knowledge and support being offered from all employees I have worked with, each eager to see you develop and achieve.

Support from the training provider has often been minimal and unclear regarding specific details for the completion of assignments and requirements of the programme. This resulted in the creation of a scenario where incorrect information was received and could have had an impact on the overall degree if not proactively clarified directly with the University by myself with the support of AstraZeneca. Communication from the training provider has also been minimal and seems to have reduced dramatically towards the end of the programme.

I feel knowledge from my degree has increased my performance significantly as assignments were focused on understanding and applying theory when implementing specific projects in the organisation. I was also encouraged by my mentor to develop my network and interact with employees from different parts of the business to understand their role and responsibilities, this helped significantly when completing assignments.

Social events are organised regularly with all apprentices invited to join a facebook group. Networking opportunities are encouraged by the organisation through the implementation of an apprenticeship council and regular face to face meetings, enabling interaction and learning of other roles and responsibilities in the organisation. There is also an onsite gym offering a range of different sports activities for all to join.

Yes

AstraZeneca has created a supportive environment focused on enabling Apprentices to achieve and excel. The opportunities available to develop hands on experience and learn from industry leading experts are invaluable. The completion of a degree alongside this experience has enabled practical application of theory to develop understanding of the organisation.

I would advise all applicants to be willing to learn and develop in an established and supportive environment. Understanding business processes and the pharmaceutical industry through research, education and networking is significantly beneficial and encouraged. I would encourage anyone with an interest in gaining a degree and practical experience in the pharmaceutical industry to apply for an Apprenticeship at AstraZeneca.