Global Procurement Assistant Review

As a Global Procurement Assistant for Pumps & Triggers at Unilever, I support procurement processes across international regions. Daily, I assist with supplier relationship management, conduct procurement analyses, and coordinate between R&D, Marketing, and regional teams. My work involves supporting packaging projects by gathering supplier information, analysing market data, and facilitating stakeholder communication. I also conduct industry research, create analytical reports, help with contract processes, and maintain project documentation while ensuring strong supplier relationships.

Yes, I was given significant responsibility that grew throughout my placement. Initially starting as an observer, I quickly progressed to independently managing supplier communications and supporting major projects. I was trusted to conduct market research, create analytical reports, and coordinate with stakeholders across regions. My managers gave me ownership of specific tasks like portfolio analysis. The responsibility level varied by manager's style, but overall I handled meaningful work contributing to team objectives.

During my placement, I developed strong procurement and supplier management skills, learning to coordinate complex projects across multiple regions and stakeholders. I enhanced my data analysis capabilities through creating portfolio analyses and market research reports. My communication skills improved significantly through regular interaction with suppliers and cross-functional teams. I also developed project coordination abilities, learning to manage timelines and deliverables across various initiatives. Additionally, I gained experience in contract management processes and built expertise in packaging industry knowledge, including understanding technical specifications and market dynamics.

I received excellent support and guidance throughout my placement. My managers were very accessible for questions and provided regular feedback on my work. I was included in relevant meetings and given context for projects to understand the bigger picture. The team was patient during my learning curve and provided training on procurement processes. I had regular one-on-ones to discuss progress and development areas. Different managers had varying styles, but all were supportive and invested in my growth and success.

The company culture was generally positive and professional. People were collaborative and willing to help, especially when I had questions as a new student. There was strong focus on sustainability and purpose-driven work. The atmosphere was quite corporate and structured, which took adjustment initially. Workload could be demanding at times, but colleagues were supportive. The global nature provided interesting exposure to different working styles. Overall, it was a good environment for learning and development.

I enjoyed my placement to a good extent. The flexibility was definitely a major highlight - being able to manage my schedule and work arrangements made the experience much more enjoyable. I appreciated the variety of projects and working with different teams across regions. The learning curve was steep but rewarding. While there were challenging moments adjusting to corporate environment, supportive colleagues and meaningful work made it worthwhile overall.

Yes