Business Administration apprentice (GWE) - Pfizer

Summary

An opportunity has arisen for a Business Administration Apprentice to join the Global Workplace Experience (GWE) Global Business Performance Team, based at Sandwich. This role provides administrative, purchase-to-pay and financial management support to operational and functional teams across GWE sites in the Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Wage

£16,890 a year

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5.25pm. Fridays, 9am – 4.05pm 12pm - 12.45pm lunch break

37 hours a week

Start date

Tuesday 1 September 2026

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

An opportunity has arisen for a Business Administration Apprentice to join the Global Workplace Experience (GWE) Global Business Performance Team, based at Sandwich. This role provides administrative, purchase-to-pay and financial management support to operational and functional teams across GWE sites in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

The apprentice will support the team in managing purchasing activity against operating budgets, helping to raise, monitor, manage and close purchase orders in line with Pfizer policies and procedures. The role also supports resolution of invoice holds and payment processing issues, while developing knowledge of purchase-to-pay processes, financial controls, supplier engagement, data analysis and continuous improvement.

Purpose of the Role

The purpose of the role is to provide practical administrative and operational support to the GWE Global Business Performance Team while undertaking a structured apprenticeship programme. The apprentice will build capability in business administration, finance administration, purchasing systems, stakeholder communication and process improvement, contributing to the effective delivery of budget management and operational support services across GWE EMEA.

Key Responsibilities

• Support purchase request and requisition processes, ensuring information is complete, accurate and compliant.
• Raise purchase requisitions in ARIBA and help track purchase orders, invoices and approvals through to closure.
• Assist with vendor maintenance, supplier queries, invoice holds and payment issue resolution.
• Maintain accurate records and support governance, audit and Pfizer policy requirements.
• Work with GWE colleagues, Procurement, Finance, suppliers and site teams to resolve queries and keep activity moving.
• Use purchasing and invoice data to identify issues, trends and opportunities for process improvement.
• Provide wider team administration support, including meetings, actions, travel, expenses, reporting and ad hoc projects.

Scope of Apprenticeship

The apprentice will provide daily support to the Global Business Performance Team and will gradually develop confidence in managing purchase request, purchase requisition, vendor maintenance, invoice hold and payment query processes. The role will involve working with internal and external partners, including GWE colleagues, Procurement, Finance, suppliers and site-based stakeholders.

Activities will be completed in line with Pfizer policies and procedures, including relevant governance, audit and compliance requirements. The apprentice will receive training in Microsoft Office applications and purchase-to-pay systems such as ARIBA and SAP, with opportunities to shadow colleagues and build understanding of wider GWE EMEA operations.

Learning and Development Opportunities

• Develop practical experience in business administration within a global corporate environment.
• Build knowledge of purchase-to-pay processes, supplier onboarding, purchase orders, invoice management and financial controls.
• Gain exposure to budget management, forecasting, variance reporting and operational performance tracking.
• Strengthen communication, stakeholder management and customer-facing skills through regular interaction with internal and external partners.
• Improve data handling, problem-solving, prioritisation and process improvement capability.
• Develop confidence using Microsoft Office, ARIBA, SAP and other business systems used by the team.
• Learn from experienced colleagues through coaching, shadowing and participation in team activities and projects.

Where you'll work

Discovery Park
Ramsgate Road
Sandwich
Kent
CT13 9ND

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

Training provider

BPP UNIVERSITY LIMITED

Training course

Business administrator (level 3)

What you'll learn

• Skilled in the use of multiple IT packages and systems relevant to the organisation in order to: write letters or emails, create proposals, perform financial processes, record and analyse data. Examples include MS Office or equivalent packages. Able to choose the most appropriate IT solution to suit the business problem. Able to update and review databases, record information and produce data analysis where required.
• Produces accurate records and documents including: emails, letters, files, payments, reports and proposals. Makes recommendations for improvements and present solutions to management. Drafts correspondence, writes reports and able to review others' work. Maintains records and files, handles confidential information in compliance with the organisation's procedures. Coaches others in the processes required to complete these tasks.
• Exercises proactivity and good judgement. Makes effective decisions based on sound reasoning and is able to deal with challenges in a mature way. Seeks advice of more experienced team members when appropriate.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships within their own team and across the organisation. Demonstrates ability to influence and challenge appropriately. Becomes a role model to peers and team members, developing coaching skills as they gain area knowledge.
• Demonstrates good communication skills, whether face-to-face, on the telephone, in writing or on digital platforms. Uses the most appropriate channels to communicate effectively. Demonstrates agility and confidence in communications, carrying authority appropriately. Understands and applies social media solutions appropriately. Answers questions from inside and outside of the organisation, representing the organisation or department.
• Completes tasks to a high standard. Demonstrates the necessary level of expertise required to complete tasks and applies themself to continuously improve their work. Is able to review processes autonomously and make suggestions for improvements. Shares administrative best-practice across the organisation e.g. coaches others to perform tasks correctly. Applies problem-solving skills to resolve challenging or complex complaints and is a key point of contact for addressing issues.
• Takes responsibility for initiating and completing tasks, manages priorities and time in order to successfully meet deadlines. Positively manages the expectations of colleagues at all levels and sets a positive example for others in the workplace. Makes suggestions for improvements to working practice, showing understanding of implications beyond the immediate environment (e.g. impact on clients, suppliers, other parts of the organisation). Manages resources e.g. equipment or facilities. Organises meetings and events, takes minutes during meetings and creates action logs as appropriate. Takes responsibility for logistics e.g. travel and accommodation.
• Uses relevant project management principles and tools to scope, plan, monitor and report. Plans required resources to successfully deliver projects. Undertakes and leads projects as and when required.

Training schedule

Training for this apprenticeship will be delivered online

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE in:

5 GCSE's including Maths and English (grade 4/C or above)

Desirable qualifications

A Level in:

At least 2 A-Levels (grade minimum 80 UCAS points)

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Analytical skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative