Procure-to-Pay (P2P) Apprentice in Coventry

Our Values

In line with One Coventry Values, we want to ensure our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part is ensuring a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remain at the heart of everything we do.

Core Values

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

Kick‑start your career in Procurement Services as a P2P Apprentice! The successful candidate will work across the Procurement Systems team and Accounts Payable, both part of Procurement Services. This team is responsible for the procurement of goods, works and services required by the Council, and for making payments to our suppliers. Procure‑to‑Pay (P2P) describes the process of sourcing, acquiring and paying for these requirements, usually involving electronic systems.

Procurement Services recently launched its latest Procurement Strategy 2025‑2030, with a focus on supporting SMEs in the tendering process, and they are central to the city’s economic and social development. The team’s responsibilities include making payments, developing processes for suppliers and internal departments involved in key projects, and improving services for adults’ and children’s social care, public health and homelessness strategies. They have accelerated payments to support vulnerable suppliers, distribute grants to local businesses and residents during the pandemic and cost‑of‑living crisis.

What is the job role?

Reporting to the Procurement Systems Manager, you will support the team by:

• Advising colleagues on best practice regarding finance systems, procurement cards and governance processes.
• Assisting with the development, implementation and improvement of electronic systems.
• Supporting monitoring, control and compliance of procurement processes.
• Training and sharing best practice throughout the authority to maximise corporate procurement effectiveness.
• Preparing and analysing reports for the Transparency, Management and Procurement Board and Panel.
• Monitoring and updating information for the team’s intranet and the Council’s website pages.
• Resolving queries from internal and external customers.

You will undertake the Level 3 Business Administrator Standard. Further information for this apprenticeship can be found here. This apprenticeship is a fixed‑term contract for 21 months in line with the length of the apprenticeship training. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and appointment will be conditional upon a satisfactory DBS check.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for applicants who:

• Are motivated and enjoy collaborating in an engaged manner with a flexible and dedicated professional team.
• Ideally have some knowledge of the procurement cycle, but this is not essential as full training will be provided.
• Have a good working knowledge of Microsoft applications.
• Possess strong numeric and IT skills.
• Have a desire to learn and an eye for detail.
• Have good communication skills.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements
• Outstanding local government pension scheme
• Great opportunities to develop with access to accredited courses
• Access to an award‑winning Occupational Health Service
• Salary sacrifice scheme