Job summary
Are you are looking for a rewarding career which uses your great communication skills, top-level organisation skills and positive outlook? If you see challenges as opportunities to be faced head on, then an apprenticeship in commercial procurement at Defra could be the opportunity for you!��
If you arealso passionate about protecting ourenvironmentthen read on�because these roles are working for Defra (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). We are the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.��
Encouraging diverse applicants�
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups.�
Job description
These 7 commercial apprentice roles are within the Commercial Procurement Team at Defra. The team buys all the goods and services needed by Defra to deliver its priorities. This is everything from IT applications to flood defences and lots in between. We often respond to unusual requests, for example finding specialist vans to collect pets traveling to the UK from Ukraine to be reunited with their owners. It�s fair to say Defra would not be able to do all the vital work improving our environment without the commercial team.�
You will gain experience working with colleagues across Defra to work out exactly what they need to buy and researching the companies available to supply what is needed. You will also learn how to run a competitive tender process to find the best supplier and then form a contract with the supplier.��
These are permanent positions and a great development opportunity for an individual with an interest in commercial procurement to undertake a two-year Level 4 apprenticeship as part of their role. After the two years, upon successful completion of the apprenticeship scheme you will be a permanent member of staff at Executive Officer (EO) grade.�
We hope you�re up for a challenge because these are busy roles as you�ll be doing everything from helping to plan projects, set up meetings to drafting documents. Beyond that, you�ll be ensuring the commercial projects run smoothly by being super organised and heading off problems before they happen.�
You�ll use your great communication skills and confidence dealing with a range of people as building relationships is key to everything we do.�
You�ll be rubbing shoulders with senior colleagues and external suppliers with the opportunities to see how your managers and leaders �ll enjoy researching and using data as well as being methodical and organised.��
For further details about the roles available please see the attached candidate pack.
Person specification
You will be working as part of a team on a range of projects gaining experience and developing the skills needed to succeed with your Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Diploma (level 4) studies. The apprenticeship is fully funded and will be completed within your normal working hours (training will be 20% of your time). After the two years, upon successful completion of the apprenticeship scheme you will be a permanent member of staff at Assistant Commercial Officer (EO) will continue to support your personal and professional development once your apprenticeship is completed.�
Person specification�
About you�
1. You may have just finished full time education and be at the start of your career or looking to start a new career�
2. You�re a natural and flexible communicator with a positive attitude and the ability to cut straight to the important stuff.�
3. You�re able to organise while working at pace and problem solving.�
4. You�ll enjoy conducting research and using evidence to support your conclusions.�
5. You�re familiar with all the usual tech. We use Teams (a lot) and we�re getting better at AI.�
6. Oh, and you�ll need level-2 qualifications in Maths and English to be eligible. That�s grade C/4 GCSE and hold a level 3 qualification (2 A levels or equivalent).�
7. And don�t worry if you don�t yet have a burning desire to save the planet. That will come!�
Eligibility
To be considered for this role you must hold the qualifications listed in this advert, but you must also be eligible for apprenticeship funding. The eligibility criteria for an apprenticeship is detailed in the Candidate Pack but it is important to note all apprenticeships are designed to provide substantive new skills and learning. If you already have experience in Commercial Procurement and Supply, you would not be eligible for this role.
Qualifications
You will need to have: Five GCSEs including English and Maths, at Grade 4/C or above (or level 2 equivalent). Or be willing to work towards Functional Skills Level 2 as part of your apprenticeship.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
8. Communicating and Influencing
9. Developing Self and Others
10. Working Together
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �27,470, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs contributes �7,958 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Pension and financial benefits:
11. A with an employer contribution of �Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package there are various options including Alpha and Partnership pension schemes in which Defra can invests in providing a contribution to the cost of your pension
12. Life assurance: if you become too ill or die before retirements valuable benefits will be provided to you and your family
13. Offering 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days over 5 years) for new entrants to the Civil Service and retaining existing arrangements for current Civil Servants
14. End of year Performance Awards and Staff Recognition Schemes
15. Cycle to work scheme and season free ticket loan to support travel to work
Learning and development:
16. Access to five days of learning and development each year to support professional development through Civil Service Learning, and on the job development (shadowing, coaching, working with project teams) and talent management programmes
17. Corporate induction and three days special leave for volunteering
Staff wellbeing:
18. Access to Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health Service, and the Civil Service Sports Council
19. Flexible working, scope for working at home and compressed hours