Trainee Procurement Officer (Government Equivalent: Trainee Commercial Officer) Ref. 3791

Cheltenham, London, Manchester

we recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance, which is why we offer flexible working options including flexitime, part-time, full-time, job share and compressed hours. Please note this role requires a minimum of three days per week in the office, with flexibility to work from home one to two days per week, though this is not guaranteed and will be subject to business need.

There may also be a requirement to travel to other locations as needed.

MI5 keeps the country safe from serious threats like terrorism and attempts by states to harm the UK, its people and way of life. We carry out investigations by obtaining, analysing and assessing intelligence, and then work with a range of partners, including MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt these threats. Through our protective security arm, we provide advice and guidance to government, businesses and other organisations about how to keep themselves safe.

A role in MI5 means you’ll do unique and challenging work in a supportive and encouraging environment, making a real difference to UK national security.

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

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

You’ll 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 you’ll gain exposure to different commercial challenges, helping you develop a broad and transferable skill set.

As you progress, you’ll 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 don’t need prior experience in procurement, but you’ll 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 you’re early in your career or exploring a new direction, you’ll bring a willingness to learn and a structured approach to your work.

You’re 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.

You’re adaptable and comfortable taking on new challenges, even when things are unfamiliar. Most importantly, you’re 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.

You’ll join a structured two-year development programme designed to support your progression into a Commercial Practitioner role. From the outset, you’ll build your skills through a blend of formal training and hands‑on experience, working alongside experienced colleagues on real projects.

You’ll be supported by a network of colleagues, including your manager, mentor and programme team, with regular check‑ins to guide your development. As part of the programme, you’ll work towards the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Level 4 qualification,…