Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic sourcing and supplier management in the energy sector.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in the UK energy network.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £24,109, 26 days holiday, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career with hands-on experience and mentorship in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Penultimate year students with a minimum 2.2 degree classification.
- Other info: Potential to progress to National Grid’s Graduate Development Programme.
The predicted salary is between 24109 - 24109 £ per year.
About us
National Grid is at the heart of the UK energy network keeping people connected and society moving. We develop, own and maintain the physical infrastructure, such as pylons and cables needed to move the electricity generated from windfarms and power sources around the country. Every time a phone is plugged in, or a switch is turned on, we\’ve played a part, connecting you to the electricity you need – and we\’re leading the transformation towards a greener future, dreaming bigger to bring a more affordable energy future to everyone.
But it\’s our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger. But it\’s no small feat and we need the best to join us in our mission. So, join us and power the future of energy.
About The Role
The Procurement Industrial Placement is a 12-month opportunity designed for current university students looking to gain hands-on experience during their studies. This structured programme offers training, development, and exposure to strategic procurement operations, with the potential to progress directly onto National Grid’s Graduate Development Programme upon successful completion.
As a Procurement Undergraduate, you’ll report into a Category Manager or Senior Buyer, supporting strategic sourcing activities across two six-month placements. You’ll work closely with procurement professionals and business stakeholders to help shape sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and deliver value across a range of goods and services.
This placement not only helps you explore your future career path but also allows National Grid to build a strong pipeline of talent for the future—giving you a real foothold in the energy industry.
What You’ll Do
- Support multiple strategic sourcing events, working with Senior Buyers, Category Managers, and stakeholders to understand and challenge demand
- Assist in researching supply markets, suppliers, and trends to inform category strategies and identify risks and opportunities
- Help execute strategic sourcing processes from market engagement through to contract award
- Collaborate with Contract Managers to ensure successful delivery of contracted activities and identify continuous improvement opportunities
- Manage tender events for key products and services, ensuring best-in-class procurement practices
- Contribute to forward planning by identifying future requirements and supporting robust forecasting
- Scope and help develop contractual agreements that meet stakeholder needs and expectations
- Gain exposure to procurement systems, processes, and governance, building a strong foundation for a future career in commercial roles
Our Industrial Placement
Our 12-month Industrial Placement offers you the opportunity to kickstart your career within the energy sector and discover your unique superpower. Throughout your placement, you’ll receive a tailored development programme designed to support your growth and development. This includes a combination of in-person and virtual training sessions led by our development team, as well as access to a range digital learning tools to help further enhance your skills.
Throughout your placement you’ll have opportunity to make connections amongst your cohort as well as regular check ins with a mentor and our Early Careers Team. Day-to-day, your placement manager will provide you access to a variety of on-the-job opportunities where you’ll take on real assignments and projects to make a genuine impact within your respective function. By the end of your placement, you’ll have developed your understanding of our business and the energy sector for your future career.
What you\’ll need to apply
You’ll need to be in your penultimateyear and expecting to achieve a minimum 2.2 degree classification.There are no specific degree requirements for the role and we welcome applications from other backgrounds.We just need you to be eager to apply your knowledge in a real-world setting.
Location
This role is based in Warwick and may offer flexible hybrid working, where possible.
What You\’ll Get In Return
As a first step to your career in the energy industry, our Industrial Placement programmes are like no other. You’ll gain an insight into how we work at National Grid, providing you with a taster of the opportunities that await you. In addition, you’ll also receive some great rewards and benefits:
- Starting salary of £24,109
- 26days holiday
- A chance to land a place on our Graduate Programme subject to your performance during your placement.
- Pensions plan, share-option scheme and flexible benefits
- 3 days development training, volunteering opportunities, close mentorship and regular feedback
- Invitation to join Newnet, our new starters network and employee resource group
You’ll gain more than just experience. We believe in nurturing talent and recognising exceptional performance. If you excel during your placement, you may receive an offer to join our Graduate Programme after you successfully complete your degree.
More Information
You can only apply for one Industrial Placement opportunity during this recruitment cycle. We kindly ask that you review all our student opportunities and apply for the one that aligns closest with your aspirations and interests.
We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.
Assessment centres will be held between November – April 2026
National Grid\’s Graduate & Student opportunities in the UK are open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.
Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.
Please be aware that it’s your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we\\\’re not able to provide advice on this. For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
#J-18808-Ljbffr
2026 Buyer Industrial Placement, Procurement employer: NATIONAL GRID LIMITED
Contact Detail:
NATIONAL GRID LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Buyer Industrial Placement, Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at National Grid on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the placement. Personal connections can make a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching National Grid’s projects and values. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but also passionate about the energy sector and our mission towards a greener future.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! We love candidates who can think on their feet. Try mock interviews with friends or use online resources to get comfortable with common procurement scenarios.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the National Grid team. Get your application in early to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Buyer Industrial Placement, Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Procurement Industrial Placement. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that align with the role, showing us why you're the perfect fit for National Grid.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for the energy sector shine through in your application. We want to see your eagerness to learn and contribute to our mission of a greener future, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Early: We recruit on a rolling basis, so don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. Get in early to increase your chances of landing that spot in our Industrial Placement programme!
How to prepare for a job interview at NATIONAL GRID LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into National Grid's mission and values. Understand their role in the energy sector and how procurement fits into their operations. This knowledge will help you connect your skills to their needs and show that you're genuinely interested in the company.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your studies or previous experiences that demonstrate your ability to support strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the procurement processes at National Grid, the team you'll be working with, and opportunities for growth within the company. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
National Grid values unique differences, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. Be authentic in your responses and share what makes you passionate about the energy sector and procurement. This will help you stand out as a candidate who aligns with their culture.