Procurement Assistant Review
at AstraZeneca
Higher Level Apprenticeship
Procurement
London
Review Submitted: February 2026
Overall Rating
3.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
3.5/5
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Overview of Role
4/5
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Skills Development
2.8/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
My day-to-day responsibilities include researching potential suppliers, analysing spend, and evaluating proposals. I work with suppliers to negotiate contracts, ensuring we secure value-for-money deals. Drafting purchase orders and assisting with contract management are part of my daily tasks.
I work alongside experienced procurement professionals who mentor me in strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. I also attend meetings with internal stakeholders to understand their service needs and translate these into procurement specifications.
I work alongside experienced procurement professionals who mentor me in strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management. I also attend meetings with internal stakeholders to understand their service needs and translate these into procurement specifications.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
3/5
I mostly enjoy my programme - it combines hands-on experience with learning. I get to work with different suppliers and teams, which keeps things interesting and helps me grow. The CIPS program also boosts my skills.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have both learned new skills and developed existing ones. I've gained a solid understanding of the procurement and supply environment, including the fundamentals of procurement processes and the factors affecting supply chains. My negotiation skills have significantly improved, equipping me with techniques essential for creating advantageous supplier agreements. The course has also deepened my knowledge of contract management, teaching me how to create and manage contracts while ensuring compliance and maximising value. Additionally, I've learned about the importance of ethics and sustainability in procurement, enhancing my ability to conduct business responsibly. Through analysing costs and pricing, I've developed my analytical skills, making me more adept at ensuring procurement efficiencies and savings.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
3/5
The programme isn't structured particularly well structured - I have gained hands-on experience through varied day-to-day tasks, but the CIPS apprenticeship team aren't great at communicating what needs to happen regarding timelines or at providing support.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
2/5
There is great support from my line manager and team however there is very limited involvement from the central apprenticeship team. In my time in role, there has not been a single check-in with the apprenticeship team
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
3/5
They offer helpful resources, responsive tutors, and regular check-ins to ensure I'm on track. However their communication isn't always great, and they have provided very limited guidance on things like submitting my end point assessment.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
My qualification does enhances my performance in my role. The theoretical knowledge from the course applies well to my day-to-day tasks, improving my decision-making and problem-solving skills. It bridges the gap between learning and practice
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
2/5
Lots of networking events to be part of but very few are local to London where my role is based.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend AstraZeneca to a friend?
Yes
Why?
It can be a good place to work but it can also be challenging and may not lead to the end result you would want in terms of getting a permanent role.
Personally the mentorship provided has been great and I have had guidance and insights from the team. Additionally, the focus on skill development makes it a great environment for learning.
Personally the mentorship provided has been great and I have had guidance and insights from the team. Additionally, the focus on skill development makes it a great environment for learning.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to AstraZeneca?
Showcase relevant experiences and skills, emphasizing any teamwork or problem-solving examples. Research the company’s values and recent projects to demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
