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- Tasks: Join us to learn procurement and supply chain management while making a real impact.
- Company: ESPO, a respected public sector buying organisation with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, CIPS training, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great office location with free parking and a commitment to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in procurement with hands-on experience and professional growth.
- Qualifications: Recent graduates with a 2:2 degree and strong communication skills are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 26832 - 34359 £ per year.
Organisation: ESPO
Work Location: Barnsdale Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicester, LE19 1ES
Salary: £26,832 - £34,359 per annum (pro-rata for part-time) (Pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Friday 22 May 2026
Interview Date(s): TBC
ESPO is a successful public sector owned professional buying organisation (also known as a PSBO). Originally established in 1981, ESPO has grown into a well-known and highly respected organisation providing professional, cost effective procurement and supply services to its customers. We are owned and governed by a consortium of six local authorities based in the East Midlands, with Leicestershire County Council acting as the employer.
If you are an upcoming or 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 the Role
- Are an upcoming or recent graduate, ideally with an interest in procurement
- Hold, or are expected to achieve, at least a 2:2 in a relevant degree subject
- Can demonstrate excellent communication skills
- Possess strong analytical skills, with a high level of attention to detail
- Are proactive and eager to learn, with a positive attitude
- Can work effectively both independently and as part of a team
- Are proficient in Microsoft Office applications
About You
To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:
- 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
- Competent in the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel and willingness to learn to use any in-house software or systems
- Manages time effectively to ensure tasks are completed and deadlines are met
- Willingness and ability to work flexibly, including outside of office hours as required
- Able to deal with pressure, multiple priorities, work as part of a team working towards common goals and have an analytical approach to problem solving
- You must hold a full driving licence or have access to transport
In addition, we expect you to share our commitment to our values and will ask you to evidence when you have demonstrated them as part of the interview process. For information on our approach to the recruitment of ex-offenders, please see our policy statement. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
What we offer
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing to 30 days after 5 years service) and a scheme to buy additional leave.
- Fully funded CIPS training programme, enabling you to achieve Levels 4–6 and work towards full MCIPS status
- A range of salary sacrifice schemes, including car leasing.
- Extensive learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing professional growth.
- Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution.
- A great office location next to Fosse Park, Leicester, with free on-site parking and easy access to the M1 and M69.
Interested in Flexible Working?
We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
How to Apply
At ESPO we’re looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what’s on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive - both personally and professionally.
Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above. Without this information, we won’t be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected. For tips on how to write your statement, see the How to Apply section on our career site.
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 or you want to request an application pack in an alternative format, please contact our Employee Service Centre by telephoning 0300 3030222 (select option 2) or raise a ticket via our online portal: https://emss.org.uk/support.
By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Trainee Procurement Officer employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Procurement Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research ESPO and understand their values, mission, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be dealing with customers and suppliers, it’s crucial to articulate your thoughts clearly. Try mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your analytical skills! Prepare examples from your studies or previous experiences where you solved problems or made decisions based on data. This will demonstrate your ability to think critically, which is key for a Procurement Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to include a strong supporting statement that highlights how you meet the criteria listed in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Procurement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the criteria listed in the job description. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t just repeat your CV – tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Trainee Procurement Officer role!
Show Off Your Skills: Use specific examples to demonstrate your communication and analytical skills. Whether it’s a project from uni or a part-time job, we love to see how you’ve tackled challenges and what you learned from them. Remember, we’re looking for proactive individuals eager to learn!
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, make sure your application is easy to read. Use clear language and structure your statements well. A tidy application shows us that you pay attention to detail, which is super important in procurement!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get yours in as soon as you can. Plus, this gives you time to review and refine your application before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of procurement and supply chain management. Understand key concepts and terminology that are relevant to the role. This will not only show your interest but also help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that showcase your analytical abilities. Think of situations where you've had to solve problems or make decisions based on data. Be ready to discuss how you approach analysis and ensure you highlight your attention to detail, as this is crucial for a Trainee Procurement Officer.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since the role involves communication with customers and suppliers, consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on conveying your ideas succinctly and professionally, as strong communication skills are a must-have for this position.
✨Align with ESPO's Values
Research ESPO’s values and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and delivering accessible services. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation's culture.