2026 Procurement Graduate

2026 Procurement Graduate

Start Date: 07 September 2026

Salary: £32,000 per annum

Employee type: Permanent

Location: Rotational programme across Crawley, Glasgow, Bristol, Belfast, Reading, Cheadle, London, Templecombe

Working Schedule: Monday‑Friday, 37 hours a week (8 hours Monday‑Thursday, 5 hours Friday)

What The Role Has To Offer

• Hands‑on experience in sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Opportunity to contribute to cost‑saving initiatives and strategic purchasing decisions
• Exposure to supplier management and relationship building
• Learning best practices in procurement processes and procedures
• Engaging in market research and analysis to support purchasing strategies
• Involvement in contract management and legal aspects of procurement
• Collaboration with cross‑functional teams for effective supply chain management
• Participation in implementing sustainable and ethical procurement practices
• Development of skills in risk assessment and management within the procurement context
• Opportunity for career growth and advancement within the procurement profession

Description Of Role

As a Procurement Graduate, you will step into a pivotal role at the heart of supply chain operations. The position immerses you in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier relationship management, enabling you to contribute to cost‑saving initiatives and informed purchasing decisions. You will collaborate closely with diverse teams, gaining exposure to market research, contract management, and risk assessment, while championing ethical and sustainable procurement practices. This role offers hands‑on experience, a deep understanding of procurement processes, and a springboard for professional growth and advancement.

Graduate Programme

You will complete three placements over a 28‑month scheme, potentially across various Thales sites and businesses in the UK. Flexibility on location is required, with main sites in Crawley, Glasgow, Bristol, Belfast, Reading, Cheadle, London, and Templecombe. In the second year, graduates will undertake MCIPS Level 4, sponsored by Thales, as part of their development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any subject (on track or achieved)
• Permanent right to work in the UK
• Security clearance at SC level; existing clearance advantageous

Benefits

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company pension scheme
• Health care cash plan
• Life insurance
• Discounts through the Portal
• Performance‑related pay uplifts
• 80 hours volunteering (first two years)
• Hybrid working (minimum 3 days on site)

Application Process

Assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and May 2026. Induction week for all graduates and apprentices takes place from 07 September to 11 September 2026. Applications close at 11:59 pm Monday, 5 January 2026. Roles may close earlier if a high number of applications are received.

Security Clearance

All successful candidates must hold permanent right to work in the UK and will undergo Government security clearance at BPSS Level with full Security Clearance (SC) in line with UKSV requirements before starting. Existing SC clearance is advantageous, but if not held you must obtain and maintain it prior to commencement. For more information, see https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels.

Equal Opportunities

Thales is an equal opportunities employer and diversity and inclusion are integral to the success of Thales. In line with Thales’ Baseline Security requirements, candidates will be asked to provide evidence of identity, eligibility to work in the UK, and employment and/or educational history for up to three years. Roles may require full security clearance, which may require additional evidence. For further details of the evidence required to apply for Baseline and Security Clearance please refer to the Defence Business Services National Security Vetting (DBS NSV) Agency.

Thales is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments and support for neuro‑diverse applicants, those with a disability or long‑term condition. If you need an alternative format or have any questions about the recruitment process, please contact the Early Careers Team for graduate and apprentice roles.

Great Journeys Start Here

Apply now!