Procurement Assistant - Global Injection Moulds Review

My role centres around the purchasing of injection moulds that are used globally. These moulds then go on to make products such as Dove Shampoo bottles and Marmite Jars. I have regular interactions with suppliers relating to costs of moulds but also invoices too. There are a lot of interactions besides the work i am actually hired to do. I have the responsibility of managing projects across the globe.

Each year I am always building on my excel skills as I am exposed to more colleagues, all of whom have their own skills to share. Another skill that I have developed this year is that of PowerBi. This allows you to visualise a lot of the excel work you do, making it more interesting. I have also developed my ability of solving problems for others, I am able to be more patient.

I feel the program has been enjoyable even if it hasn't always been great. It has offered me so many different experiences and made me aware of so many things that I would never have been aware of. I didn't even know what procurement was until I had the role. I enjoy the team I work in as I am very regularly in contact so it is easy to speak about any issues but with my current manager, we just talk about life in general. Another enjoyable part is having so many apprentices and placement students around so there is always someone to chat to.

The programme is well structured but i will say that there is room for improvement in some elements of induction and training. I think with the cycling of more programmes, this will significantly improve. An area that i would advise to keep an eye on would be the support system with tutors and line managers, there feels to be a disconnect of what either wants me to achieve so by making sure there are regular connects, problems could be avoided.

Since changing roles, I can safely say that the support I receive from my manager has not reduced, if not it has increased. I have regular connects where we talk about any work related issues, university queries but also we talk about life, which makes the support system much more comfortable. A point I would raise is that maybe there could be scope for a better understanding of who to speak to in HR about the apprenticeship, there are so many people in Unilever so it is difficult to keep up.

The support I receive from my training provider could be improved since I have sent many emails to tutors where I have been left more confused or did not fully answer the question. The point here is to continue to ask until I understand. The training provider works well with support for the work itself, however, I feel the issue is that I feel I need more attention from the tutors with regard to helping with queries.

I feel that there are some parts with my qualification that are helpful to the role but there is little connection with a role in procurement. For example, I have been benefited in terms of my communication skills, but I have not benefitted with role specific content. Areas that would benefit would be in HR or marketing.

Since coming back into the office from covid, there have been very limited examples of extra-curricular activities. This is not the fault of Unilever but maybe you could argue they could look for opportunities outside. Whenever available, there have been nights-out with other apprentices, and this is something that has only increased with time.

Yes

The concept is great of earning a good wage, learning and then ultimately obtaining a free degree at the end. This is such a good opportunity for anyone. The skills that you develop not just in a professional sense are great. For example, I have been doing negotiations, and now I would say I could argue for a reduced price in most places. But also, all the people i have met and friends I have made, have been great. They are all different from different places so that is a bonus.

Have an open mind about the role you want to apply for. I had no idea what my job was before and just as I started, you may realise that the job you want is something you didn't know existed. An important point would be to sell your talents and what you can do. This is something I am always pulled up on as I am underselling myself.