Apprentice - Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA),

Do you want to build a career in procurement while working on projects that support the West Midlands?

As a Procurement & Supply Chain Apprentice at the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), you'll get the opportunity to learn how procurement and contract management work in a large public sector organisation, while gaining practical experience you can take into your future career.

You'll join our Procurement team within Corporate Services, working alongside colleagues across Procurement, Finance, Legal, Transport, Governance and services across WMCA.

You’ll be involved in real work from the start, supporting procurement, contract management and compliance activity. You'll develop an understanding of how good procurement helps an organisation make responsible decisions, achieve value for money and deliver effective public services.

Alongside your role, you'll complete a Level 4 CIPS Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship, giving you the opportunity to combine professional study with practical experience in the workplace.

The WMCA Apprentice Development Programme forms part of our wider Emerging Talent offer and supports our People and Culture Strategy by helping us build the skills, capability and future workforce we need across the organisation.

You will be supported throughout your apprenticeship by experienced colleagues, with access to professional development, mentoring and opportunities to learn from people working across WMCA.

As you gain experience, you'll develop greater confidence and independence while building skills in communication, analysis, problem-solving, organisation and stakeholder management.

You’ll also have opportunities to take part in internal development programmes, networking and mentoring alongside your apprenticeship.

You’ll work with colleagues in our Procurement and Contract & Compliance teams to support the day-to-day management of contracts and procurement activity.

This could include:

• Supporting the management of contracts and service performance, helping to identify issues and opportunities for improvement.
• Assisting with procurement and contract compliance activity, ensuring services meet organisational policies, standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collecting and analysing information to support decision-making and performance reporting.
• Supporting research and service improvement projects.
• Helping to maintain accurate contract records, databases and documentation.
• Responding to routine enquiries from colleagues and stakeholders.
• Using digital tools and systems to manage information, tasks and workflows.
• Learning from experienced procurement professionals through shadowing, training and hands-on experience.
• Developing your understanding of budgeting, financial governance, procurement regulations and value for money.

You’ll also have dedicated time to complete your apprenticeship coursework and assessments, putting what you learn into practice in your role.

• A minimum of two A Levels, or an equivalent Level 3 qualification.
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications.
• A willingness to complete the Level 4 CIPS Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship.
• Experience working in a team environment, for example through school, volunteering or a part-time job.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Good analytical skills, with the ability to review information and identify solutions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage your time effectively.
• A willingness to learn, take initiative and develop new skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with others.
• The ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, combining remote and office-based working.

This role is based at 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD
. We currently operate a hybrid working model, which means splitting your time between the office and home, subject to business need and agreement with your…