At a Glance
- Tasks: Kick-start your career in procurement with hands-on experience and impactful strategies.
- Company: Join Essex County Council, a leader in public sector procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and support for CIPS qualifications.
- Why this job: Fast-track your career to become a qualified Procurement Manager while making a difference.
- Qualifications: Open to graduates; driving licence required for mobility.
- Other info: Dynamic training programme with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 22872 - 27638 £ per year.
Kick-start your career in procurement with our Graduate Procurement Trainee programme. You’ll gain hands-on experience across diverse categories, develop strategies that make a real impact, and receive full support to achieve your CIPS qualifications.
The Procurement function within Essex County Council is looking for the senior leaders of the future. Procurement works with colleagues across the council, partners in the wider public sector, and with our supply chains to deliver innovative solutions for the people of Essex. The function leads the end-to-end procurement cycle with responsibility for category management, and managing a supply chain whose reach is one of the largest in the public sector. The Procurement Function manages an annual third party spend of £1.2 billion and a contract portfolio of £5.8 billion.
Our graduate programme will equip you with the necessary skills and experience necessary to become a qualified Procurement professional (CIPS) and will fast-track you into a Procurement Manager role within Essex County Council. The Graduate Procurement Trainee will undertake a comprehensive programme of training and development, through individually planned placements within the Procurement function over a three-year period to gain a broad knowledge of procurement practice and gain valuable skills.
As our Graduate Procurement Trainee, you will study towards the CIPS Levels 4 and 5 with the opportunity to complete Level 6 to become fully chartered (MCIPS).
Essex County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We’re committed to interview all disabled applicants who choose to apply under our Job Interview Scheme if they meet the minimum requirements of the job. Please speak to our Recruiters if you require any reasonable adjustments during the process. We’re also committed to interview all veterans and care leavers, who meet the minimum requirements of the role for which they are applying.
Once you’ve secured your role within Essex County Council you will receive many great employee benefits, including support for unpaid carers and flexible working arrangements to accommodate their needs. At Essex County Council, we value integrity and ethical behaviour. We kindly ask that you embrace our code of conduct, including throughout the recruitment process. Your commitment to these standards helps us maintain a positive and respectful workplace for everyone.
Please note that the job role requires you to be mobile throughout an operational area. Therefore, the post holder will need to have a driving licence and access to a vehicle, or the ability to meet the mobility requirements of the role through other means.
Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Graduate Trainee – Procurement in Chelmsford employer: Essex County Council
Contact Detail:
Essex County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Trainee – Procurement in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement practices. Understand their values and how they impact the community. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference at Essex County Council.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on common procurement-related questions and think about how your skills can contribute to the council’s goals. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about the Graduate Procurement Trainee programme right there. So, what are you waiting for? Get applying!
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Trainee – Procurement in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Graduate Trainee – Procurement role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with procurement, and don’t forget to showcase your enthusiasm for the field!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to Essex County Council. Keep it engaging and personal – we want to see the real you!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, be sure to highlight any skills that are particularly relevant to procurement, such as analytical thinking, negotiation, or project management. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their potential!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key procurement concepts and terminology. Understanding the end-to-end procurement cycle and category management will show that you're serious about the role and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles or projects. Highlighting your ability to develop innovative solutions will resonate well with the council's focus on delivering impactful results.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Learning
Since this role involves studying towards CIPS qualifications, express your enthusiasm for professional development. Share any relevant courses or training you've undertaken, and discuss how you plan to continue growing in the procurement field.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Essex County Council's code of conduct and values. During the interview, reflect on how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding integrity and ethical behaviour, to show you're a good cultural fit.