PS/220/H Procurement Apprentice

Procurement refers to the process of acquiring goods and services and spans the whole cycle from identification of need, through to the end of a contract, and to the end of the useful life of an asset and its disposal. Good procurement is not just about getting the price down; it is about balancing whole life costs, while meeting procurement rules and treating suppliers fairly. It includes everything from routine items (e.g. stationery) to complex spend areas (e.g. construction, consultancy etc.)

The Procurement department is a collaborated unit servicing Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioners in ensuring value for money. The small but effective team is spread over the three counties covering every area of the business from Estates and property to specialised I.T systems.

This diverse role will offer you the opportunity to deal with a wide range of procurement activities including dealing with suppliers for our Purchase to Pay System, advertisements, tendering, and evaluations, spend/ saving analysis and contracts. There is a large amount of administration that ensures the office runs smoothly and it is therefore essential to multi-task and prioritise. As an apprentice you may be asked to:-

• Collate documents and prepare files
• Sort and distribute post
• Photo copy and scan documents
• File and archive documents
• Prepare letters/ correspondence to suppliers
• Support the Contracts Officers and Contracts Manager with projects
• Review contract terms and conditions
• Liaise with internal departments
• Liaise with suppliers
• Manage and update the purchase to pay system
• Populate databases
• Attend meetings
• Call handling

The role of a Procurement Team Apprentice is based at Police Headquarters Welwyn Garden City and is for a year fixed term contract.
For the purposes of the application you will be expected to provide evidence against the four personal qualities below and the entry requirements:
• Service Delivery
• Professionalism
• Decision Making
• Working with Others

There is a word count limit of 500 words per section.
Please note, if you are shortlisted for interview you will be expected to evidence against all personal qualities and the entry requirements stipulated in the role profile.

You will be assisted and supported with these responsibilities by your line manager, but you will have contact every day with staff at all levels within the Constabulary as well as people outside the organisation.

This apprenticeship is for a one year fixed term contract. In 2013, 50% of the apprentices recruited went on to gain a permanent position within Hertfordshire Constabulary. We are a large organisation and employment opportunities may develop towards the end of your apprenticeship for which you would need to apply through our normal procedures, but there is no guarantee of a permanent position. We believe that the experience to which you will be exposed throughout your apprenticeship will significantly enhance your ability to find employment inside or outside our organisation..

The successful candidate will be expected to complete an NVQ Level 2 in Business and Administration, including Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths, English and ICT.

We strongly encourage our apprentices to get involved in voluntary work such as Scouts, Cadets, St John's Ambulance or the Princes Trust. There are also volunteer positions in Hertfordshire Constabulary which might interest you; if you are 18 or over, you can apply to be a Special Constable or Police Community Volunteer.

On completion of your NVQ, voluntary sessions, and work with Hertfordshire Constabulary, you can apply for a £500 bonus. Your engagement in voluntary work will form part of our assessment as to whether you have successfully completed your Apprenticeship and whether the bonus will be paid to you. Payment of the bonus is also subject to satisfactory performance and attendance.

Successful candidates will be subject to security clearance, the receipt of satisfactory references, and being passed medically fit by our Occupational Health and Welfare Unit to undertake the work.

For further information or an informal chat please contact Jade More on 01707 354273

All applications must be received by the closing date.