At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in shaping the future of water through innovative procurement projects.
- Company: Anglian Water, committed to environmental sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health package, flexible working, and financial wellbeing support.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth and development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career while tackling real-world challenges in procurement and supply chain.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English; Level 3 in Procurement or 2 years' experience.
The predicted salary is between 24558 - 24558 £ per year.
Procurement Level 4 Apprenticeship £24,558
Start date: September 2027
Location: Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough. Please note this role may take you to some locations across the region, so some flexibility is essential. Your base location will be Thorpe Wood House and we offer a flexible hybrid working approach, with the opportunity to work from home up to 1-2 days per week where business needs allow.
Help shape the future of water, the environment and the communities we serve. With a current investment plan worth over £11 billion, we're building for better — for you, for the communities we serve, for our environment. As part of this, we are looking for candidates to join Anglian Water's Degree Apprentice Programme and tackle some of the biggest environmental and infrastructure challenges facing the region. From climate resilience and major engineering projects to digital innovation and customer experience, you'll develop the skills, experience and support needed to become one of our future leaders or specialists.
Your programme:
- During this two-year apprenticeship, you will work towards Full Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 Standard Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
- You will be supported by your manager, workplace mentor, Early Careers Partner and training provider throughout your apprenticeship.
The work of procurement and supply chain professionals includes the process of procurement, or buying goods and services; however, these roles can be much broader than just procurement. The Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 will enable you to use your breadth and depth of experience to position yourself as a fully effective commercially skilled professional.
What you'll be doing:
Ever wondered how we choose the suppliers, equipment and services that keep water flowing? Working within Commercial Procurement, you’ll discover that buying is about much more than price. It’s about understanding what our business needs, finding the right suppliers and making decisions that deliver value for our customers, protect the environment and keep vital services running. You’ll learn alongside experienced colleagues and contribute to real procurement projects. From equipment used at our treatment works to construction, vehicles and digital technology, you could help source the goods and services that support Anglian Water’s day-to-day operations and future investment.
What you could be involved with:
- Exploring markets and finding suppliers: researching products, services and new ideas, helping us understand what suppliers can offer and how they could meet our needs.
- Supporting tenders and commercial decisions: helping prepare requests for quotes and tenders, compare supplier proposals and support negotiations that balance cost, quality, safety and sustainability.
- Working with people across the business: getting to know what operational, engineering and support teams need, and helping turn those requirements into clear plans for buying goods and services.
- Building supplier relationships: supporting supplier meetings, tracking actions and reviewing how contracts are performing to help keep services reliable and resolve issues.
- Making responsible buying choices: helping explore opportunities to reduce carbon and waste, source ethically and create benefits for local communities through our supply chain.
- Using data and digital tools: analysing spending, identifying opportunities to improve value and using procurement systems to make buying simpler and more effective.
You won’t be expected to know it all from day one. With support, you’ll build your confidence, develop your commercial judgement and take on more responsibility as your skills grow. It’s an opportunity to put your curiosity and problem-solving skills to work, see the impact of your contribution and build a career in procurement and supply chain.
What you will bring:
- We are looking for people who are curious, ambitious and ready to learn.
- Individuals who enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and bringing different perspectives to the challenges we face.
- Most importantly, we're looking for apprentices who want to help shape the future of water while developing a successful and rewarding career of their own.
- For this role you will need:
- 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English
- A level 3 in Procurement and Supply or have at least 2 years industry experience
- High level of self-motivation and willingness to learn.
- Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and good communication skills.
- Organised, flexible, and able to manage time effectively.
Benefits of joining Anglian Water:
Starting your career brings exciting opportunities and new responsibilities. That's why we provide access to Stream, a financial wellbeing platform designed to help you make the most of your money. From workplace savings and budgeting tools to financial education, rewards and cashback offers, you'll have access to practical support that helps you build strong financial habits from day one. Alongside this, we offer a competitive salary, you'll receive a comprehensive health and wellbeing package, private healthcare, 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, and a double-matched pension scheme with up to 21% total contribution. We also offer an excellent family leave package, including enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, helping you balance your career with the moments that matter most.
Closing date: 15th November 2026
Next Steps: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to attend an in-person assessment centre on 11th December at Lancaster House office in Huntingdon.
Right to Work in the UK: To be considered for this role, you must already have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Procurement Apprenticeship in Peterborough employer: Anglian Water
At Anglian Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values care, courage, and curiosity. As the Head of Finance for our ambitious Reservoirs Programme, you'll not only lead a high-performing team but also play a pivotal role in shaping sustainable water solutions for future generations. With competitive benefits including a double-matched pension, private healthcare, and generous leave policies, we are committed to fostering employee growth and well-being in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Apprenticeship in Peterborough
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Communities
Dive into local procurement forums and groups! There are often networking events and workshops where you can meet industry professionals. This is your chance to ask questions, learn more about the field, and even make some connections. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up when looking for apprenticeships.
✨Showcase Your Interest Through Projects
Think about taking on small projects related to procurement, like simulating a buying process or researching suppliers. You can even showcase these on platforms like LinkedIn. This will demonstrate your passion for the field and help you stand out when you’re applying for an apprenticeship at places like Anglian Water.
✨Connect with Your School’s Career Services
Don’t forget about your school’s career services! They often have exclusive listings and can help you find apprenticeship openings in procurement. They might even have connections to companies like Anglian Water that you wouldn’t find on traditional job boards.
✨Be Active on Job Boards and Apply Directly
Keep an eye on apprenticeship job boards and don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. Many companies like Anglian Water might list openings there before they hit wider job boards. So, be proactive; the early bird gets the worm!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Apprenticeship in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Enthusiasm for Procurement:As you're applying for a procurement apprenticeship, we want to see your passion for the field! In your cover letter, share why you're interested in procurement, maybe mention any relevant projects, or experiences you've had in school or outside of it. This is your chance to let your love for the industry shine through!
Highlight Organisational Skills:In procurement, being organised is key. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences that reflect your organisational abilities. This could include managing group projects, budgeting for school events, or even any admin tasks you've done. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Key Skills:For a procurement apprenticeship, think about including skills like negotiation, analysis, and communication. Make sure your CV highlights any practical experiences you have, such as working in customer service or team projects, that demonstrate these skills. Tailoring your CV helps us see how you fit into the role!
Keep Your Application Conversational:Since this is an apprenticeship, it's important to keep your application a bit more conversational and friendly. Use a tone that reflects your personality while still remaining professional. This will help us at Anglian Water get a sense of who you are beyond just the paper!
How to prepare for a job interview at Anglian Water
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
In procurement, it's all about understanding the supply chain and negotiation tactics. Brush up on common procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how you would approach supplier relationships. Demonstrating your awareness of these concepts can really set you apart during the interview with Anglian Water.
✨Get Familiar with Tools of the Trade
Make sure you’ve dived into procurement software or tools relevant to the industry, like SAP Ariba or Coupa. Even if you haven't used them directly, showing that you know what they are and how they impact procurement can impress your interviewers at Anglian Water.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an apprenticeship, the focus will be on your potential and attitude. Be ready to talk about why you're excited about a career in procurement and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. Share any relevant projects or experiences, even if they're informal.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might get hit with scenarios like dealing with a supplier who’s fallen short on delivery. Think about how you’d handle such situations and showcase your problem-solving skills. This demonstrates that you not only know the theory but can apply it in real-world situations!
