About the role

Procurement means getting the right supplies from the right supplier, at the right price and at the right time. Procurement is responsible for sourcing activities, negotiation and strategic selection of goods and services that are important to an organisation. Working for a FTSE 100 Global company, within Global Procurement, you’ll be in a diverse, dynamic team responsible for purchasing the goods, services and works required to keep National Grid operating.

Joining the Higher Apprentice Procurement Buyer 24-month programme within Global Procurement team offers an excellent way to begin your career within Procurement. Over the course of the Apprenticeship, you will be given a balance of real responsibility on live projects, alongside an extensive network of colleagues to learn from, as well as a variety of training courses to enhance your professional development.

Within National Grid Procurement you could be procuring high-value construction contracts for major works, running sourcing processes to put in place the IT systems that underpin the company, or even purchasing a helicopter used to inspect the electricity network from above. As a strategic department we don’t just focus on sourcing activities, but also proactive category management of everything we buy.

About you

You’re an effective communicator, who can engage with a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals. You’re able to build mutually beneficial relationships across the business that will achieve successful outcomes.

You’re a problem-solver, with the ability to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to develop innovative strategies to meet business needs and deliver long term value.

Being self-aware and reflective, you are able to engage in a professional manner and possess leadership and influencing skills. Having flexibility and resilience, you have the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback, always acting with integrity and taking responsibility for your actions.

You’ll need to have a GCSE in English Language and Maths at Grade C or above (or equivalent) with one of the following:

• 2 A levels / A2: Grades A* to C (or equivalent) in any discipline
• BTEC National Certificate OR Diploma Level 3, grade Merit or Distinction
• HNC/HND grade Pass, Merit or Distinction
• Degree in any discipline

What you'll get

We’re proud to offer a starting salary of £25,874.

As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Higher Apprenticeship Programmes are like no other! You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, understand what a career with us can offer, and receive some great rewards and benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + statutory holidays
• Pension scheme and Sharesave options
• Invitation to join NewNet, our new starters network and one of our employee resource groups
• Flexible Benefits & Working
• Close mentorship and regular feedback
• Volunteering opportunities

You will work within one of the largest Procurement departments in the Midlands, gaining skills and experience from highly experienced colleagues. You’ll be offered a detailed induction and access to training courses that will set you up for a career in National Grid and Global Procurement.

As part of the Higher Apprenticeship, you will gain a level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS). Whether you’re keen to earn while you learn, or if you already have a degree and are looking to specialize in a vital, demanding and growing area, this is a brilliant opportunity to gain a respected professional qualification in the field.

About us

National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid. We’re 30,000 colleagues strong. In the UK, National Grid don’t generate or sell energy – we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt.

The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won’t just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK – you’ll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Our values and principles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.

Further Information

The closing date for this role is 6th March 2023, however, we encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held from March 2023.