Trainee Procurement Officer (Government equivalent: Trainee Commercial Officer)

As a Trainee Procurement Officer, youll start your career in procurement, helping to deliver the goods, services and infrastructure that enable critical national security work.

Youll join a structured two-year development programme, gaining a strong foundation in how procurement operates within a complex organisation. Working as part of a team, youll contribute across the full procurement lifecycle from understanding business needs and engaging with suppliers, through to running sourcing activities, awarding contracts and supporting contract management.

From early in the role, youll contribute to live projects, gaining experience in areas such as tendering, supplier relationship management and contract performance. As your confidence grows, youll begin to take ownership of your own work, building practical experience across a wide range of projects and procurement activities.

Youll work with stakeholders across the organisation and suppliers across industry, learning how to balance cost, risk and value to achieve the right outcomes. The variety of work means youll gain exposure to different commercial challenges, helping you develop a broad and transferable skill set.

As you progress, youll take on increasing responsibility, moving from supporting delivery to contributing directly to commercial decisions and managing your own areas of work as you develop into a Procurement Manager.

You dont need prior experience in procurement, but youll have an interest in how organisations buy and manage goods and services. This will be supported by a minimum of 2 A levels or BTEC equivalent or minimum of 12 months in a commercial role. Whether youre early in your career or exploring a new direction, youll bring a willingness to learn and a structured approach to your work.

Youre organised and able to manage your workload, with the confidence to communicate clearly and work with others to deliver shared goals. You may have experience in a team-based or customer-focused environment and will be comfortable working to deadlines and contributing to tasks that support wider projects.

Youre adaptable and comfortable taking on new challenges, even when things are unfamiliar. Most importantly, youre motivated to build your skills and develop a long-term career in procurement, with the commitment to grow into a role where you take ownership of your work and contribute to commercial decisions.