At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Trainee Procurement Officer and learn the ropes of procurement and supply chain management.
- Company: ESPO is a respected public sector organisation focused on cost-effective procurement services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: We celebrate diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and support for professional qualifications like CIPS.
- Qualifications: You need a 2:2 degree in Business Studies, Economics, or a related field.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
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WorkerCategory:Hybrid Worker - Normal week would be 3 days WFH and 2 days in the office
WorkingHours:37 hours per week- with option of flexible working
ContractType:Permanent
Closing Date: 17th August 2025
About the role
ESPO is a highly successful public sector owned professional buying organisation (also known as a PBO). Originally established in 1981, ESPO has grown into a well-known and highly respected million-pound organisation providing professional cost effective procurement and supply services to all of our customers. We are owned and governed by a consortium of six local authority members based in the East Midlands, with Leicestershire County Council acting as the employer.
If you are a recent graduate looking for an exciting and challenging opportunity, ESPO is seeking to appoint highly motivated individuals who are looking to begin a career in procurement. You will learn how we undertake procurements that deliver value for money for our customers and develop knowledge of supply chain management working within one of our category teams. ESPO will also support you as you work towards a Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification.
About You
To apply for this post, you must:
- Degree 2:2 in Business Studies/Economics/ Commerce/Purchasing or relevant discipline
- Ability to communicate with customers, suppliers and colleagues via email, in writing and at meetings
- Strong analytical and numerical skills and a strong attention to detail
- Manages time effectively to ensure tasks are completed and deadlines are met
We’d also expect you to shareour commitment to our values (https://www.espo.org/about-us)and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the interview process.
What we offer:
- Flexible working opportunities and access to employee benefits portal with car lease scheme.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to 30 after 5 years’ service), and a scheme to buy additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution.
- Opportunities for learning development, includingCIPS or CIM
- Great office location next to Fosse Park, with free on-site parking and easy access to M1 and M69.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore,wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual’s personal circumstanceswhilst still meeting the needs of ESPO. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below. This mayinclude requests for term-time working, part-time hours, compressed hours, flexible start and finish times, home/remote working, etc.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact:
Kapil Rajput
Email:k.rajput@espo.org
How to Apply
ESPO is an inclusive organisation which is on a journey to embed and celebrate equality, diversity, and inclusion at every level.We warmly welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, as having a diverse workforce with different perspectives and ideas is fundamental to our values and enriches the services we offer our customers.We particularly welcome applicants from Ethnically Diverse and LGBTQ+ communities and people with disabilities to create a balanced workforce and one that reflects the customers we serve. Applicants with a disability who meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above will be offered an interview under the Disability Confident Employer Scheme.
To apply for this job, please click ‘Apply Now’. You will need to upload a supporting statement as part of your application which explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above.For more information, see theHow to Applysection on our career site: https://eism.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/espo/pages/13010
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post, pleasecontact our Employee Service Centre:https://emss.org.uk/support
By applying for this post, you agree to ourTerms and Conditions: https://eism.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/espo/pages/13006
About ESPO
We\'re a unique organisation, owned by the public sector and sharing their values and ethos, but operating with a commercial edge.As a specialist procurement body, we pride ourselves on establishing procurement solutions that save money for the public sector. Viewour prospectusto find out more.
We have modern, open-plan offices with excellent transport links and a friendly workplace environment. We offer flexible working, a generous holiday entitlement, a contributory pension scheme, training (including professional CIPS qualification) and opportunities to develop your career.
ESPO is supported by wide range of roles across many different disciplines including sales, marketing, IT, procurement, finance, operations (warehouse management and transport planning) and customer services. So whether you are interested in a public-facing role or playing your part behind the scenes, ESPO could be the place for you.
To learn more about working for ESPO please visitwww.espo.org.
Seniority level
Seniority level
Internship
Employment type
Employment type
Full-time
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Job function
Purchasing and Supply ChainIndustries
Retail Office Equipment
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#J-18808-LjbffrTrainee Procurement Officer in Leicester employer: ESPO - Public Sector Procurement
ESPO is an exceptional employer that offers a supportive and inclusive work environment, ideal for recent graduates eager to kickstart their careers in procurement. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and opportunities for professional development, including support for CIPS qualifications, employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Located conveniently next to Fosse Park with excellent transport links, ESPO fosters a culture of collaboration and growth, making it a rewarding place to work.
Contact Details:
ESPO - Public Sector Procurement Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Procurement Officer in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of procurement and supply chain management. Understanding the basics will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field. Attend relevant events or join online forums to connect with others who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at ESPO.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by thinking of examples that demonstrate your analytical skills and attention to detail. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Research ESPO’s values and recent projects. Being able to discuss how your personal values align with theirs during the interview will make a strong impression and show that you are a good cultural fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Procurement Officer in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure your supporting statement directly addresses the criteria listed in the 'About You' section. Use specific examples from your academic or work experience to demonstrate your communication skills, analytical abilities, and attention to detail.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Even if you are a recent graduate, include any relevant internships, projects, or coursework that relate to procurement or supply chain management. This will show your commitment and understanding of the field.
Showcase Your Values:ESPO values diversity and inclusion, so be sure to mention any experiences or perspectives that align with these values. This could include teamwork in diverse groups or initiatives you've been part of that promote equality.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a role in procurement.
How to prepare for a job interview at ESPO - Public Sector Procurement
✨Research ESPO and Its Values
Before the interview, take some time to understand ESPO's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as their role in public sector procurement. This will help you align your answers with what they stand for.
✨Prepare Examples of Relevant Experience
Think of specific instances from your academic or work experience that demonstrate your analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to communicate effectively. Be ready to discuss how these experiences relate to the responsibilities of a Trainee Procurement Officer.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Learning
As a recent graduate, express your eagerness to learn and grow within the procurement field. Mention your interest in pursuing the CIPS qualification and how you believe it will enhance your contributions to ESPO.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the training and development opportunities available, or ask how ESPO measures success in its procurement processes. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
