Procurement Higher Apprentice, Global Procurement Team, Warwick

This 24-month Procurement Higher Apprenticeship Programme offers the opportunity to build a career in a function critical to National Grid's success and the energy transition. Working within the Global Procurement team, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the sourcing, negotiation, and purchasing of goods, services, and works.

You will work with stakeholders, suppliers, and colleagues across the UK and US, developing an understanding of the full procurement lifecycle. This includes identifying business needs, developing sourcing strategies, supporting supplier selection, contract negotiations, and supply chain management.

Procurement plays a vital role in National Grid's commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. This programme will help you build the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for a successful career in procurement while contributing to projects shaping the future of energy.

What You'll Do

• Support sourcing and procurement activities, identifying business requirements and securing goods, services, and works.
• Work with suppliers and internal stakeholders to support supplier selection, tender processes, contract management, and procurement projects.
• Assist in developing and implementing sourcing strategies that deliver value, manage risk, and support business objectives.
• Analyse spend, supplier, and market data to support decision-making, performance improvements, and commercial outcomes.
• Contribute to sustainable procurement initiatives and supply chain activities supporting National Grid's commitment to a cleaner energy future.

What You'll Need to Apply

• A minimum of five GCSEs with grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and Maths.
• Have or be predicted to achieve two A-Levels at grade C or above OR BTEC National Certificate OR Diploma Level 3 at Grade Merit or Distinction.
• A driving licence is required and must be obtained by 31st May 2027.

Key Skills

• Effective communication with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to build strong relationships and work collaboratively.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Self-awareness and resilience.
• Commercial thinking and ability to make recommendations.
• Effective planning and organisation skills.

Location

• Warwick
• Flexible, hybrid working (three days in the office per week).
• Must live within a 60-minute commutable distance of CV34 6DA.

What You'll Get In Return

• Starting salary of £32,876 with annual increases.
• Upon successful completion of the two-year apprenticeship, achieve a nationally recognised accredited qualification: Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS).
• 26 days' annual leave, plus statutory holidays.
• A competitive pension scheme.
• Flexible benefits including cycle to work and holiday buy/sell schemes.
• Opportunity to participate in Sharesave and Share Incentive Plans.
• Development of well-rounded skills through practical experience.
• A permanent position upon successful completion of your apprenticeship.

About the Apprenticeship Programme

This programme combines structured learning with practical workplace experience, helping you develop commercial, technical, and professional skills for a career in procurement.

Your development programme will include:

• Working towards a CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply.
• Hands-on experience across sourcing, supplier management, procurement, and commercial activities.
• Exposure to procurement projects supporting stakeholders across the UK and US.
• Structured development, workplace learning, and support from experienced professionals.
• A buddy and wider support network.
• Building skills, knowledge, and behaviours for a long-term career in procurement and supply chain management.

You will be expected to actively engage in both your role and apprenticeship studies, applying your learning to real business challenges and completing all required training, assessments, and development activities.

Important Information

• You can apply for only one opportunity across all Early Careers and Career Changer programmes.
• National Grid's Early Careers opportunities are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. This will need to be evidenced and verified.
• In most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future.
• We recruit on a rolling basis and may close vacancies early once we have enough applications. Apply as early as possible.