Salary - £31,942
Hybrid working (50/50)
Apprenticeship - Fixed-Term 2 Years
Closing date for applications: 12 July 2026. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early. Please note that an assessment centre is expected in weeks commencing 20 and 27 July 2026.

About UKCEH

UKCEH is a leading independent research institute with over 600 scientists studying how the natural world works. We take a connected approach across land,waterand air to understand environmental systems and build resilience for people and the planet.

About This Role

Are youlooking to build along‑termcareer in procurement,orperhaps you’reexploringyourcareeroptionsanddrawn toworking for anenvironmental-orientedorganisationlike ours?

We’reexcited to offer a Procurement Officer apprenticeship -a great opportunityfor you to build or develop your career while contributing to our mission to deliver world-leading environmental science.Within this role,you’llgain valuable, hands-on experience in procurement within a nationally recognised research organisation, playing a part in work that has real environmental impact.Alongside your role,you’llalsowork towards a Level 3 or 4 qualification with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) - giving youa wayto earn, learn,and build a meaningful career with purpose.

You’lljoin a friendly and highly experienced Procurement team, bringing together a diverse breadth of knowledge andexpertise. This creates an excellent environment for you to learn, grow and build your career.You’llgain valuable experience and exposure across the full procurement cycle - from working with colleagues to understand their needs, to researching suppliers, comparing options, and supporting purchasing decisions.You’llalso begin to build commercial awareness, learn how contracts and negotiations work, and use real data to track spend and performance. Along the way,you’llsee how procurement plays a vital role in delivering value, managing risk, and supporting sustainability.

As an apprentice,you’llreceive hands-on support and mentoring from experienced colleagues, including senior leaders and a specialist contractor, giving you exposure to a wide range of skills,perspectivesand real-world procurement challenges. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn directly from knowledgeable professionals who are genuinely passionate about sharing theirexpertiseand supporting your development every step of the way.

You’llgain valuable insight into how organisationspurchasegoods and services responsibly and sustainably, while contributing from day one - helping ensure our scientists have everything they need to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.You’llalso have the chance to get involved in wider organisational initiatives, such as staff network groups and discussion panels, giving you the opportunity to share your ideas and help shape our future.

Your main responsibilities will include:

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 your knowledge of supplier management, from due diligence checks tomaintainingaccuraterecords

Help manage contracts and renewal timelines, ensuring services continue without disruption

Develop commercial awareness by researching suppliers and benchmarking pricing

Gainhands‑onexperience of the fullProcure‑to‑Pay(P2P) process using systems and data

Contributing to spend analysis, reporting and KPIs, helpingidentifytrends, improvecomplianceand highlight opportunities for efficiency

Supporting projects and improvement initiatives alongside senior colleagues

Contributing ideas to improve and evolve procurement processes and ways of working

Taking ownership of your work while ensuring compliance with UKCEH policies

Contributing ideas and continuously developing your skills and knowledge throughout your apprenticeship

We’relooking for someonewho’sexcited to learn, grow, and build a career in procurement. Youdon’tneed to know everything yet -we’llteach you the technical side. What matters most is your attitude, people skills, and willingness to get stuck in.

With mentoring from experienced professionals and exposure to real projects,you’lldevelop practical skills, confidence, and a strong professional network.You’llbe supported every step of the way in a close‑knit teamthat’sinvested in your growth.

Whatwe’relooking for:

A genuine commitment to completing the apprenticeship programme and developing your skillsand a willingness to study towards, and complete, a Level 3 or 4 CIPS qualification

Experience in a busy, customer-focused environment (this could be retail, hospitality, or an office setting) whereyou’velearned how to communicate and stay organised

A minimum Level 3 qualification (such as A Levels, a diploma, or equivalent)

Studyapprenticeship, gaining a recognised professional qualification while you work

What will help you stand out:

Strong communicationskills and confidence speaking with others –you’rehappy to pick up the phone and build relationships across the organisation

A people-first mindset-you enjoy connecting with others, supporting colleagues, and working through challenges together

The confidence to ask questions, learn quickly, and take initiative, rather than just following instructions

The 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-you’recomfortable adapting, solving problems, and thinking on your feet

An interest in developing skills like negotiation, influencing, and relationship building

How to apply and what happens next

Ifyou’reinterested in this role,we’dlove to hear from you.You’llbe directed to our Workday portal whereyou’llcreate an account and upload your CVand yourresponses to the questionsbelow (approx.8 mins).Your responses are an important part of our assessment process, so please take the time to complete them thoughtfully:

A separate cover letter is notrequired

Use clear, concise examples thatdemonstrateyour personal contribution, relevant skills, qualifications (if applicable)and impact

Limit your responses to a maximum of 150 words per question

Oncesubmitted, our panel will review your application, and please be assured that we are committed to providing an outcome for all applicants, regardless of the result.

Q1.Describe a time when you had to explain something clearly to someone whodidn’tunderstand a process or wasnew to it. How did you approach the conversation, and what did you do to reach a positive outcome?

Q2.Describe a time where you worked tocomplete a task or project toa set deadline,what skills or techniques did you use and what did you learn from the experience?

Q3.Give an example of when you had to learn something new quickly (such as a system, subject, or way of working). How did you approach it, and how did you make sure you applied what you learned effectively?

Q4.This role involves supporting how wepurchasegoods and services responsibly. Can you share an example of when you compared options (e.g. products, suppliers, or services) beforemaking a decision? What factors did youconsider, and how did you decide?

Working at UKCEH is genuinely rewarding

You’llbe joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, where your work will have real impact. Our science helps people and the environment to prosper and informs decisions thatbenefitsociety as a whole.We’reproud to be custodians of over 60 years of environmental data, and just as proud of the people behind it.You’llbe supported to develop your career, grow yourskillsand thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

What we offer

At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us,you’llbenefitfrom:

Generous annual leave - 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure

10% employer pension contribution

Financial protection through life assurance and income protection

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role)

Lifestyleperksincluding dental, gym,retailand cycling discounts

A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives

Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health,physiotherapyand lifestyle services

Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution

Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes

Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans(terms apply)

Our Commitment to inclusion

At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds,experiencesand identities. As a Disability Confident employer,we’rehappy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.

A note on sponsorship

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for thisroleand this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, pleaseindicatethis in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)

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