Apprentice Commercial Specialist

Getting In Limited; Brighton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Apprentice Commercial Specialist to join their dynamic team. This role offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in contract administration, cost management, and procurement within the water utility sector. As part of a supportive learning environment, you will undertake a BSc(Hons) degree while receiving practical training at Southern Water. Collaborate with experienced professionals, participate in diverse projects, and develop essential skills that will prepare you for a successful career in commercial management. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn and grow in a vital industry, making a real difference in community services.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and analytical skills are essential for this role.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving abilities will be key.

Responsibilities

• Assist in administering commercial contracts and projects.
• Support cost management and procurement activities.

Skills

Communication skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem-solving skills

Presentation skills

Administrative skills

Number skills

Analytical skills

Logical thinking

Team working

Initiative

Education

BSc(Hons) in Quantity Surveying

Job description

What do you want to search? Keyword Apprenticeship Type Location

Apprentice Commercial Specialist

Apply From: 14/04/2025

Learning Provider

Delivered by UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON

Employer

Southern Water

Vacancy Description

Contract and Project Administration

• Assist in the day-to-day administration of multiple commercial contracts and projects
• Support Senior Commercial Specialists with managing contract performance and compliance
• Maintain accurate records of commercial activities and contract milestones

Participate in meetings with suppliers and internal teams to support commercial decisions.

Cost Management and Appraisal

• Help prepare and maintain cost plans and budgets for ongoing projects
• Track and monitor project costs against forecasts, identifying variances
• Contribute to cost appraisals and financial evaluations throughout the contract lifecycle

Provide regular support to Project Managers to help ensure value for money in commercial activities.

Procurement and Pre-Contract Activities

• Provide procurement support, including assisting with tender preparation and evaluations
• Gather, analyse, and interpret commercial data to inform contract strategy
• Assist with drafting and reviewing contract documents during the pre-contract phase

Carry out pre-contract assurance activities to ensure documentation is accurate and complete.

Change Management and Audit

• Support change management by recording, assessing, and processing contract changes

Document audits and assist in reporting findings to internal stakeholders.

Broader Organisational Exposure

• Collaborate with colleagues across the business during rotational placements to understand broader company operations and the water industry context

Key Details

Vacancy Title

Apprentice Commercial Specialist

Employer Description

Southern Water employs over 2,000 people and is the private utility company responsible for the public wastewater collection and treatment in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, West Sussex, East Sussex and Kent, and for the public water supply and distribution in approximately half of this area. At Southern Water our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose. To achieve this, we need 24/7 support in place to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently. All our employees understand the importance of out-of-hours incident support – because when problems appear, fixing them is our top priority. That’s why our people join together and support when and however needed to make sure our customers get the service they deserve. Joining the Southern Water family means you’ll become part of our incident support team.

Vacancy Location

Southern House Lewes Road, Falmer BN1 9PY

Wage Frequency

Custom

Number of Vacancies

2

Vacancy Reference Number

1000314824

Key Dates

Apply From

14/04/2025

Closing Date For Applications

2025-05-04 23:59:59

Interview Begin From

Possible Start Date

2025-09-15 00:00:00

Training

Training to be Provided

University-Based Training

• The apprentice will undertake a Quantity Surveying BSc(Hons) degree at the University of Brighton
• Academic training is delivered at the Moulsecoomb campus on the Lewes Road, Brighton – located close to Southern Water’s offices at Falmer
• Apprentices will attend classroom-based learning one day per week during university semesters

On-the-Job Training

• Practical, on-the-job training will take place at Southern Water’s Falmer office and during placements across relevant business units
• On-the-job learning continues throughout the rest of the working week and during university breaks
• Apprentices will gain exposure to all aspects of commercial operations, including pre- and post-contract work, cost and change management, and procurement
• Training includes hands-on experience supporting live projects and contracts under the supervision of Senior Commercial Specialists

Support and Development

• Each apprentice is supported by a dedicated Mentor and Line Manager throughout the programme
• Regular progress reviews and feedback ensure the development of both technical and professional skills

By the end of the programme, the apprentice will be proficient in all technical aspects of commercial management within the water utility sector.

Learning Provider

UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON

Skills Required

Communication skills, IT skills, Attention to detail, Organisation skills, Customer care skills, Problem-solving skills, Presentation skills, Administrative skills, Number skills, Analytical skills, Logical, Team working, Initiative

Apply Now