At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement and contract management to keep our citizens safe and secure.
- Company: Join the Civil Service and make a real difference in society.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Civil Service pension, and a chance to study while you work.
- Why this job: Gain a globally recognised qualification while contributing to vital public services.
- Qualifications: Strong numeracy and communication skills; proficiency in Microsoft Office.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with excellent career growth opportunities in the Civil Service.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1400 £ per month.
Are you interested in joining a profession that plays a vital role in keeping our citizens safe and our country secure? Would you like to build your knowledge and develop expertise in procurement and contract management, supporting efforts to reduce crime, enforce the law, protect our borders, and safeguard the most vulnerable in society? If so, the Level 4 Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) apprenticeship could be the perfect opportunity for you.
As an apprentice, you’ll help us secure the best value from the goods and services we procure for the Home Office. You’ll be a proactive team player, an effective communicator, and someone who can think on their feet to support our busy Commercial teams.
The CIPS apprenticeship allows you to study while you work, gaining a globally recognised commercial qualification alongside invaluable hands-on experience. This role offers a strong foundation of transferable skills in a dynamic environment, an excellent stepping stone for a career in the Civil Service.
You could be placed in one of our Commercial Business Partner teams, such as:
- Borders and Migration
- Public Safety
- Homeland security
- Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme
- Home Office Digital
We are looking for dedicated, ambitious, and motivated individuals who can help deliver the objectives of the Commercial Directorate and contribute to strengthening our reputation as a trusted team that secures value for money from our contracts.
Key Responsibilities:
This role offers a range of opportunities to get involved in key areas of commercial delivery, including:
- Complete accredited training modules, including coursework and assessments.
- Support compliance by understanding commercial policies, contracts, and legal requirements.
- Assist Commercial Leads in managing contracts, tracking KPIs, and analysing spend.
- Help with contract changes and learn the full change control process.
- Build and maintain supplier relationships to ensure quality and timely delivery.
- Contribute to pricing strategies, financial models, and supplier bid evaluations.
- Identify and manage risks to support successful contract delivery.
- Provide data management, reporting, and project support to aid decision-making.
We are seeking engaged, enthusiastic, and ambitious individuals with the potential to grow and succeed. Applicants must be willing to undertake a Level 4 Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) apprenticeship, and should demonstrate:
- Strong numeracy skills for basic commercial calculations (e.g., comparing quotes, percentage savings, interpreting cost data).
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to produce clear emails, summaries, and reports.
- Ability to interpret and apply guidance accurately in practical scenarios.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and comfortable with emerging technologies.
- Highly organised, able to prioritise tasks and maintain attention to detail.
- Proactive and solutions-focused, with strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
- Self-motivated, committed to learning, and eager to build a long-term Civil Service career.
Commercial Assistant Apprenticeship employer: UK Home Office
Contact Detail:
UK Home Office Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Assistant Apprenticeship
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and role. Understand their values and how you can contribute. Practise common interview questions and think of examples that showcase your skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Plus, it’s super easy!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Assistant Apprenticeship
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent written communication is key for this role, ensure your application is clear and concise. Avoid jargon and keep it professional yet approachable – we want to see your personality shine through!
Highlight Your Teamwork Experience: We’re after proactive team players, so don’t forget to mention any relevant experiences where you’ve worked collaboratively. Share examples that demonstrate your ability to contribute to a team and support others.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Home Office
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Commercial Assistant and the importance of procurement in the Civil Service. Brush up on key terms like KPIs, contract management, and supplier relationships. This will show your enthusiasm and readiness to dive into the apprenticeship.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your strong numeracy skills and communication abilities. Think of situations where you've successfully managed tasks or worked in a team. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Come prepared with questions about the apprenticeship and the teams you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. Ask about the training modules or how success is measured in the role.
✨Be Yourself
While it’s important to be professional, don’t forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers are looking for engaged and enthusiastic individuals, so be authentic and express your eagerness to learn and grow within the Civil Service.