Closing Date
Job Title: Apprentice Commercial Specialist (Quantity Surveyor)
Location: This job will be based in our Falmer office with the opportunity to work from home too. Apprentices will also attend classroom-based learning sessions 1 day per week.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday - Friday
Salary: £24,288 per annum
Timelines: The application deadline is Sunday 4th May and all candidates will have received an update on their application by Friday 16th May. We will be holding assessment centres in June and the successful candidates will commence their role in September 2025.
Job Overview
Southern Water are currently looking for an Apprentice Commercial Specialist based in Falmer, Brighton, to support the delivery of commercial management for high value contracts. This role will involve supporting the Senior Commercial Specialists with the day-to-day management and administration of a number of commercial projects and contracts and facilitating the effective delivery of cost management services.
With the full support of a dedicated Mentor and Line Manager, our Apprentice Commercial Specialist will play a significant role in supporting the documenting of audits and providing ongoing support to Project Managers to enable Southern Water to extract maximum value from its commercial contracts.
Responsibilities will include but are not limited to cost planning, procurement support, cost management, change management and cost appraisals throughout the contract and project lifecycle. You will work closely with Senior Commercial Specialists to provide pre-contract capabilities, this includes gathering data and analysis to support contract strategy and creation, fulfilling pre-contract assurance activities, and completing appropriate paperwork during contract drafting.
Training Overview
The apprentice programme will provide exposure to all elements of Commercial operations, combined with industry specific training and work experience. The programme will also provide you experience to our company operations, through specific placements in relevant business units. By completion of the programme you will be proficient in all technical elements of Commercial Management and have a thorough understanding of the specific context at Southern Water. At the end of your programme you will gain a university bachelor’s degree and become a Chartered Surveyor, recognised by the RICS.
You can view more information about the apprenticeship standard using the following link:
Chartered surveyor (degree) / Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education
Progression
Our Commercial Specialists have a natural career pathway at Southern Water to Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Manager, then Strategic Commercial Lead. Equally, we support our staff to make internal moves within the organisation if they discover an alternative area of passion they wish to pursue!
About You
The successful candidate will ideally have the following:
1. A desire to undertake a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or a similar discipline
2. Experience with Microsoft Office suite including advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint
3. GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/C or above.
4. Entry requirements for A-levels are in the range of BBC–CCC including maths (112–96 UCAS points).
Package
This role will be full time Monday to Friday, based in our Falmer office with the opportunity to work from home too. Apprentices will also attend classroom-based learning sessions 1 day per week.
We are offering a salary of £24,288 as well as other benefits including:
• Company and performance-related bonus
• Generous pension with up to 11% company contribution
• Life assurance payment equal to four times your annual salary
• Health benefits through a Cash Plan
• Two paid community volunteering days a year
• 25 days annual holiday
• Occupational health service
• Perkbox benefits offering discounts and savings on several products and experiences
• Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
• We offer competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
Why Southern Water?
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
At Southern Water, diversity and inclusion are core values. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds and are committed to fostering an environment where every individual is empowered to succeed.
This is more than a role; it’s an opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact. Apply now to be part of our transformational journey.