At a Glance
- Tasks: Gain hands-on experience in procurement while supporting a mission for world-leading environmental science.
- Company: Join a nationally recognised research organisation with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, flexible working, and health benefits.
- Other info: Embrace a people-first culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Develop your skills and earn a Level 3 or 4 CIPS qualification while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 qualification and experience in a customer-focused environment.
The predicted salary is between 31942 - 31942 £ per year.
We’re excited to offer a Procurement Officer apprenticeship – a great opportunity to build or develop your career while contributing to our mission to deliver world‑leading environmental science. This apprenticeship provides hands‑on experience in procurement within a nationally recognised research organisation, and supports a Level 3 or 4 qualification with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
Position Details
- Salary: £31,942
- Apprenticeship – Fixed‑Term 2 Years
- Hybrid working (50/50)
- Closing date for applications: 12 July 2026
- Assessment centre expected in weeks commencing 20 and 27 July 2026.
Responsibilities
- Act as a point of contact for colleagues, offering clear and practical procurement guidance
- Work closely with teams across the organisation and external partners, building strong, professional relationships
- Play a key role in keeping procurement running smoothly by supporting the creation and review of purchase orders
- Build knowledge of supplier management, from due diligence checks to maintaining accurate records
- Help manage contracts and renewal timelines, ensuring services continue without disruption
- Develop commercial awareness by researching suppliers and benchmarking pricing
- Gain hands‑on experience of the full Procure‑to‑Pay (P2P) process using systems and data
- Contribute to spend analysis, reporting and KPIs, helping identify trends, improve compliance and highlight opportunities for efficiency
- Support projects and improvement initiatives alongside senior colleagues
- Contribute ideas to improve and evolve procurement processes and ways of working
- Taking ownership of your work while ensuring compliance with UKCEH policies
- Continuously develop your skills and knowledge throughout your apprenticeship
Qualifications
- A genuine commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme and developing your skills, and a willingness to study towards, and complete, a Level 3 or 4 CIPS qualification
- Experience in a busy, customer‑focused environment (e.g., retail, hospitality, or office setting) where you’ve learned how to communicate and stay organised
- A minimum Level 3 qualification (such as A Levels, a diploma, or equivalent)
Preferred Qualifications
- Strong communication skills and confidence speaking with others – happy to pick up the phone and build relationships across the organisation
- People‑first mindset – enjoy connecting with others, supporting colleagues, and working through challenges together
- Confidence to ask questions, learn quickly, and take initiative, rather than just following instructions
- Ability to handle different situations, including having difficult conversations and managing expectations professionally
- Great listening skills, with the ability to understand information and turn it into practical action
- A flexible, proactive approach – comfortable adapting, solving problems, and thinking on your feet
- Interest in developing skills like negotiation, influencing, and relationship building
Benefits
- Generous annual leave – 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) + 3 for Christmas closure
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Life assurance and income protection
- Family‑friendly policies
- Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role)
- Dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts
- Commitment to wellbeing, supported by internal initiatives
- Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services
- Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution
- Salary sacrifice benefits, including Electric & Plug‑in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes
- Interest‑free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply)
EEO Statement
We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.
Sponsorship
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for an endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application.
Procurement Officer (Apprenticeship) in Wallingford employer: UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Join us as a Procurement Officer apprentice and immerse yourself in a dynamic work environment that champions environmental science. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer a supportive culture, generous benefits including 27 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development through the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). Our focus on wellbeing and peer recognition ensures that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to our mission.
Contact Details:
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer (Apprenticeship) in Wallingford
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Communities
Dive into local procurement forums and groups! There are often networking events and workshops where you can meet industry professionals. This is your chance to ask questions, learn more about the field, and even make some connections. Plus, it’ll give you a leg up when looking for apprenticeships.
✨Showcase Your Interest Through Projects
Think about taking on small projects related to procurement, like simulating a buying process or researching suppliers. You can even showcase these on platforms like LinkedIn. This will demonstrate your passion for the field and help you stand out when you’re applying for an apprenticeship at places like UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
✨Connect with Your School’s Career Services
Don’t forget about your school’s career services! They often have exclusive listings and can help you find apprenticeship openings in procurement. They might even have connections to companies like UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology that you wouldn’t find on traditional job boards.
✨Be Active on Job Boards and Apply Directly
Keep an eye on apprenticeship job boards and don't hesitate to apply directly through our website. Many companies like UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology might list openings there before they hit wider job boards. So, be proactive; the early bird gets the worm!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Officer (Apprenticeship) in Wallingford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Enthusiasm for Procurement:As you're applying for a procurement apprenticeship, we want to see your passion for the field! In your cover letter, share why you're interested in procurement, maybe mention any relevant projects, or experiences you've had in school or outside of it. This is your chance to let your love for the industry shine through!
Highlight Organisational Skills:In procurement, being organised is key. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences that reflect your organisational abilities. This could include managing group projects, budgeting for school events, or even any admin tasks you've done. The more specific, the better!
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Key Skills:For a procurement apprenticeship, think about including skills like negotiation, analysis, and communication. Make sure your CV highlights any practical experiences you have, such as working in customer service or team projects, that demonstrate these skills. Tailoring your CV helps us see how you fit into the role!
Keep Your Application Conversational:Since this is an apprenticeship, it's important to keep your application a bit more conversational and friendly. Use a tone that reflects your personality while still remaining professional. This will help us at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology get a sense of who you are beyond just the paper!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
✨Know Your Procurement Processes
In procurement, it's all about understanding the supply chain and negotiation tactics. Brush up on common procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how you would approach supplier relationships. Demonstrating your awareness of these concepts can really set you apart during the interview with UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
✨Get Familiar with Tools of the Trade
Make sure you’ve dived into procurement software or tools relevant to the industry, like SAP Ariba or Coupa. Even if you haven't used them directly, showing that you know what they are and how they impact procurement can impress your interviewers at UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology.
✨Show Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an apprenticeship, the focus will be on your potential and attitude. Be ready to talk about why you're excited about a career in procurement and how this apprenticeship will help you grow. Share any relevant projects or experiences, even if they're informal.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
You might get hit with scenarios like dealing with a supplier who’s fallen short on delivery. Think about how you’d handle such situations and showcase your problem-solving skills. This demonstrates that you not only know the theory but can apply it in real-world situations!
