NHS Procurement Graduate Training Scheme

The NHS Procurement Graduate Training Scheme has been designed for ambitious graduates who want to develop a career in procurement and the NHS. The 2-year programme will give you exceptional opportunities, working in various NHS procurement settings, to experience what this industry has to offer.

Role description:

The NHS Procurement Graduate Training Scheme has been designed for ambitious graduates who want to develop a career within procurement and the NHS. The programme is suitable for all graduates who have gained a 2:2 degree or higher. The graduate scheme is a 2-year commitment and offers successful candidates the following opportunities:

• Employed, in a salaried role with full benefits package, by an NHS organisation in England
• Minimum of 2 role rotations within different areas of procurement in the same organization
• Technical skills development, via a fully funded internationally recognised procurement qualification – Chartered Institute of Procurement Supply (CIPS) Level 4 Commercial Procurement and Supply Apprenticeship with dedicated study leave each week
• Personal development opportunities through the Skills Development Network
• Pastoral support through mentoring
• Peer support and development with other trainees
• End point assessment after 2 years -potential progression to band 5/6

The scheme allows graduates to develop their skills and knowledge in a diverse field which is invaluable to the success of the NHS. The Covid-19 pandemic made it evident just how important procurement is in ensuring the NHS functions effectively. Without these talented teams, equipment and supplies, key services and NHS sites would have struggled to continue.

Whilst you will be employed by a specific NHS organisation, this placement will allow you the opportunity to gain experience in different procurement areas and departments.

The role of the procurement team varies depending on the nature of the NHS organisation. Procurement teams within central organisations such as NHS England will conduct slightly different tasks to those in an Acute Trust, Mental Health Trust, Community Trust or Integrated Care Board (ICB). However, many of the basic principles, such as working with category teams, dealing with supply chain management, procuring items such as non-clinical, medical supplies, wards and uniforms for staff, will be consistent across many of the roles. You may also learn about negotiating, contracts, Scan for Safety, inventory management and sustainability within the organisations. There is sure to be something that will capture the attention of a motivated graduate.

There are currently 30 posts available for graduates to apply for within this NHS Procurement Graduate Training Scheme. The roles available are based throughout England working in various NHS organisations.

To be suitable for one of the positions on the graduate scheme we require the graduates to meet the following criteria:

Qualifications:

• Educated to Degree level with a 2:2 qualification as a minimum.

Skills Capabilities & Attributes:

• Great spoken and written communication skills and social skills.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively across teams, with a variety of people both internally and externally.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to work under pressure, to strict deadlines and with attention to detail.

Values & Behaviours:

• Contribute a positive and enthusiastic attitude and be reliable, pro-active and enjoy working as part of a busy team.
• Commitment and motivation to complete a two-year training scheme (including apprenticeship).
• An interest in Procurement and dedication to build a career in the NHS.
• Be inquisitive and want to learn, having enthusiasm and an open-mind to gain the most out of the programme.
• Prepared to travel to various NHS sites if required.
• The ability to work as part of a team and to develop contacts, build networks and relationships.
• Administrative experience and a good level of IT literacy, including Microsoft Office applications, in particular Excel and Word.
• Ability to support, demonstrate and uphold the NHS Values.

Benefits of the scheme:

Band 4 pay

Guaranteed employment for at least 2 years

Opportunities for progression

Charted Institute of Procurement & Supply qualification and Level 4 Apprenticeship

Benefits to working in the NHS

A career in the NHS has a lot to offer, not only is it is a rewarding place to work, you will also enjoy one of the most competitive and adaptable benefits packages offered by any employer in the UK.

Some of the benefits you could enjoy:

• Health and Wellbeing services
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Opportunities for growth and development
• A great pension scheme
• Make a positive difference
• Diversity in the workplace

As an NHS employee, you’ll also have unique access to a health service discounts scheme.

All roles are open for applicants with a valid visa. In order to be eligible for the scheme, you must be living in the UK and have been resident in the country for at least 3 years (not for educational purposes) prior to September 2025.

Application Process:

Stage 1. One online application for up to 5 roles

Complete the following:

• Basic details
• Eligibility to work in the UK by the start of your employment
• Monitoring & Safeguarding
• Reasoning tests
• Application questions

Applications will be reviewed and candidates will be informed as to whether they have been successful or not.

Successful candidates will proceed to stage 2.

Stage 2. Microsoft Teams Virtual Interview

Candidates will be reviewed and informed if they have been successful or not.

Successful candidates will proceed to stage 3.

Stage 3. Assessment Centre

Candidates will be reviewed and informed if they have been successful or not.

Successful candidates will be offered a role on the Procurement Graduate Training Scheme.

Stage 4. Details of successful candidate are passed onto NHS Organisations HR department for on boarding