2025 Procurement Graduate

Are you eager to dive into the world of negotiations? Do you have the skills to build and maintain mutually beneficial supplier relationships? Are you enthusiastic about being at the forefront of supply chain innovation? Do you want to be part of a Graduate Programme that will develop and challenge you? If so, then look no further…

What the role has to offer:

• Hands-on experience in sourcing and negotiating with suppliers
• Opportunity to contribute to cost-saving initiatives and strategic purchasing decisions
• Exposure to supplier management and relationship building
• Learning best practices in procurement processes and procedures
• Engaging in market research and analysis to support purchasing strategies
• Involvement in contract management and legal aspects of procurement
• Collaboration with cross-functional teams for effective supply chain management
• Participation in implementing sustainable and ethical procurement practices
• Development of skills in risk assessment and management within the procurement context
• Opportunity for career growth and advancement within the procurement profession

Description of role:

As a procurement graduate, you will step into a pivotal role at the heart of supply chain operations. This progressive position will immerse you in the art of strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supplier relationship management, empowering you to contribute to cost-saving initiatives and informed purchasing decisions. You will collaborate closely with diverse teams, gaining exposure to market research, contract management, and risk assessment, all while championing ethical and sustainable procurement practices. This role not only promises hands-on experience and an in-depth understanding of procurement processes but also offers a springboard for professional growth and advancement within the procurement realm.

Graduate Programme

You’ll be expected to complete four six-month placements, these can be across various Thales sites and businesses in the UK so adaptability on your location is required for this role. Our main sites are; Crawley, Glasgow, Bristol, Belfast, Reading, Cheadle, London and Templecombe.

At the commencement of the second year of the program, graduates will embark on MCIPS Level 4, sponsored by Thales, as part of their development within the Graduate Programme.

Requirements:

You will be on track to or have achieved a bachelor’s degree in any subject

• Ability to work with and understand complex information
• Utilization of an analytical approach to construct and present a clear rationale
• Capacity to forge effective relationships with a diverse range of individuals, potentially on a global scale
• Proficiency in leveraging the strengths of others for negotiation with suppliers and stakeholders
• Commitment to achieving competitive outcomes for the company
• Excellent attention to detail
• Comfort and proficiency in working with numerical data
• Adaptability for Graduate Development Programme (GDP) activities, including potential travel and follow-up requirements
• Willingness to travel to various Thales and non-Thales sites throughout the UK for GDP activities

Benefits:

• 201 hours annual leave (plus a company day and bank holidays)
• Company Pension
• Health Care Cash Plan
• Life Insurance
• Discount Portal
• Performance-related pay uplifts
• 80 Hours Volunteering (first two years)
• Hybrid working (3 days on site minimum)

Please note, assessment centres for shortlisted candidates will be held between February and May 2025 Induction week for all Graduate and Apprentices will take place from Monday 01 September until Friday 05 September 2025.