Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic team to manage supplier evaluations and negotiate contracts.
- Company: Unite Students, the UK's leading student accommodation provider.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, tailored learning, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Kick-start your career while making a real impact in procurement.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a relevant degree with strong communication and analytical skills.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for growth and a chance to lead a project.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Industrial Placement to join our Procurement team in our Bristol office. We are a small, innovative team of dynamic procurement professionals from diverse procurement backgrounds. Our mission is to reduce risk, ensure products or services are procured for the right price, at the right quality and quantity, and delivered at the right time. The work is enjoyable and hugely varied; we can go from tendering the roll‑out of a huge LED retrofit programme to redesigning our kitchens to better suit students' needs. It is fast paced and deliberately lean given the level of our spend, fostering a real team ethic and desire to succeed. We constantly and actively seek opportunities to add value, improve our business and see it through to implementation.
What You'll Be Doing
- Supplier evaluations – identifying, onboarding and assessing the suitability of new suppliers for specific disciplines
- Tender drafting and analysis of tender responses
- Negotiation with suppliers on costs and contractual terms
- Procurement analytics and data interrogation
- Category strategy – assisting long‑ and short‑term vision of procurement plans for various commodities
- Liaising with all areas of the business regarding day‑to‑day procurement needs and problem solving
- Assisting with supplier performance management to ensure contractual obligations are met by all parties
There is an ambition for the successful candidate to be equipped to take the lead on at least one procurement project (from initial analytical research to final negotiations) by the end of their time with Unite Students.
What We're Looking for in You
- Working towards a relevant undergraduate degree
- Seeking a 12‑month placement before returning to your final year of study
- Communication skills – both written and verbal
- Commercial / business acumen
- Analytical skills
- Team player
- A general interest in sustainability/ethics/the environment/contract law/procurement
- Enthusiasm to learn, work collaboratively and make the most of the opportunity
Application Details
Applications for this role will close on the 5th of January 2026. Please make sure you are available for our Assessment Centre on the 29th of January in Bristol. Applications may close early if we receive a high volume of interest, so don't miss out!
Industrial Placements at Unite Students kick‑start your career with us, where your individuality is celebrated, and your growth is our priority. Our tailored learning programme, featuring workshops and skills sessions, is designed to equip you with the tools and confidence to succeed. We provide a collaborative, inclusive environment filled with opportunities to learn, contribute, and make a difference.
About Unite Students
Founded in 1991, Unite Students is the UK's leading provider of purpose‑built student accommodation. You can find us in 25 leading university towns and cities, with over 70,000 students calling us home! We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas.
Procurement Industrial Placement in Bristol employer: Unite Students
Contact Detail:
Unite Students Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Industrial Placement in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Unite Students and understand their mission and values. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the Assessment Centre! Brush up on your analytical skills and be ready to showcase your problem-solving abilities. Practise common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your teamwork and communication skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and serious about landing this placement. Don’t wait until the last minute; get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Industrial Placement in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Procurement role. Highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or internships that showcase your analytical skills and commercial acumen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention specific projects or values of Unite Students that resonate with you, and explain how you can contribute to the team.
Showcase Your Team Spirit: Since we value collaboration, make sure to include examples of how you've worked effectively in teams. Whether it's group projects at university or extracurricular activities, demonstrate your ability to work well with others.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close applications early if we get a lot of interest, so get your application in through our website as soon as you can to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unite Students
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Before the interview, brush up on key procurement concepts and terminology. Understand the procurement process, supplier evaluation methods, and negotiation tactics. This will show your enthusiasm for the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've used analytical skills in past experiences. Whether it's through coursework or projects, highlight specific examples where you've analysed data or made decisions based on research. This is crucial for a role that involves procurement analytics.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since this role emphasises teamwork, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Share stories that illustrate your ability to work well in a team, especially in fast-paced environments. Unite Students values a strong team ethic, so make sure to convey your collaborative nature.
✨Express Your Interest in Sustainability
Given the focus on sustainability and ethics in procurement, be ready to discuss your views on these topics. Research Unite Students' initiatives in this area and express how you can contribute to their goals. Showing genuine interest will set you apart from other candidates.
