At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic sourcing and supplier management in a dynamic energy sector.
- Company: Join National Grid, a leader in the UK energy network driving a greener future.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £24,109, 26 days holiday, and potential for graduate programme placement.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working options and tailored development programme included.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in procurement while contributing to critical infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Must be in your penultimate year with a minimum 2.2 degree in any discipline.
Job Description
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 Summer Internship is a 12-week placement designed for current university students seeking meaningful work experience during their studies. This structured programme offers training and development within National Grid's Procurement function, with the potential to progress directly onto the Graduate Development Programme upon successful completion.
As a Procurement Intern, you'll be part of a team responsible for strategic sourcing and supplier management across key business areas. Reporting into a Category Manager or Senior Buyer, you'll support the development and delivery of category strategies, gaining exposure to real procurement projects and helping drive value for the organisation.
This internship offers a valuable opportunity to explore a career in procurement, build commercial awareness, and contribute to the energy transition by supporting the sourcing of goods and services that enable National Grid's critical infrastructure projects.
What You'll Do
- Support strategic sourcing events by working with Senior Buyers, Category Managers, and stakeholders to understand and challenge business demand
- Assist in researching supply markets, suppliers, and industry trends to inform procurement decisions
- Help execute sourcing processes from market engagement through to contract award
- Collaborate with Contract Managers to ensure successful delivery of contracted activities and identify opportunities for improvement
- Contribute to tender events for key products and services, ensuring best-in-class procurement practices
- Support forward planning by identifying future requirements and helping to build robust forecasts
- Assist in drafting contractual agreements that meet stakeholder needs and expectations
- Gain exposure to procurement systems, governance, and commercial strategy
Our Summer Internship Programme
Our 12-week Summer Internship 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 penultimate year and expecting to achieve a minimum 2.2 degree in any discipline.
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
- 26 days 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
At National Grid, it's our people that provide our true superpower. They drive and sustain our growth, their unique differences only making us stronger, so we pride ourselves on placing diversity, equity and inclusion at the heart of who we are and what we do and are committed to building a workforce of the future which represents the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office where and when needed. All our offers are based on the right to work in the UK, qualifications, the innovation from creating diverse teams and perspectives, as well as business need.
#Graduateopportunities2026
2026 Buyer Summer Intern, Procurement in Warwick employer: National Grid
National Grid is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises diversity, equity, and inclusion while driving the energy transition towards a greener future. As a Procurement Summer Intern in Warwick, you'll benefit from a structured 12-week programme that includes tailored training, mentorship, and the potential to progress onto the Graduate Development Programme, all while contributing to meaningful projects that impact the UK's energy infrastructure. With competitive rewards, flexible working options, and a commitment to employee growth, National Grid provides a supportive environment for aspiring professionals to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Buyer Summer Intern, Procurement in Warwick
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like National Grid.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Buyer Summer Intern, Procurement in Warwick
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to National Grid:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to National Grid. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like National Grid.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at National Grid!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at National Grid. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into National Grid's culture.
