NHS Procurement Graduate Training Scheme

NHS Graduate Procurement Scheme; Welwyn Garden City; Hybrid; GBP 27,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK public healthcare employer is offering a 2-year NHS Graduate Procurement Scheme for graduates with a minimum 2:2 degree. Participants will gain vital experience through multiple rotations in procurement areas, while acquiring a Level 4 qualification in Procurement & Supply Chain. The scheme offers guaranteed employment, competitive NHS Band 4 pay between £27,485 and £34,876, and numerous development benefits, making it an excellent foundation for a successful career in the NHS.

Benefits

Competitive NHS benefits package

Generous annual leave entitlement

Health and Wellbeing services

Pension scheme

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level with a minimum of 2:2.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively across teams.

Responsibilities

• Participate in a 2-year training scheme.
• Rotate through different areas of procurement.
• Gain experience in supply chain management.

Skills

Strong spoken and written communication skills

Good interpersonal skills

Excellent organisational skills

IT literacy with Microsoft Office

Education

Degree level with a 2:2 qualification

Job description

If you believe that you can make a difference whilst undertaking a fulfilling career that maximises your procurement and leadership potential, then our 2 year training scheme, based on work placements, will be ideal for you. You will also gain an internationally recognised Procurement qualification (CIPS).

You will be offered outstanding development opportunities which will challenge and reward you every day. 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 organisation
• Technical skills development, via a fully funded internationally recognised procurement qualification – Chartered Institute of Procurement Supply (CIPS) Level 4 Procurement & Supply Chain Practitioner 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 some organisations 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.

Qualifications

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

Skills, Capabilities & Attributes

• Strong 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

• NHS Band 4 pay (or equivalent) £27,485 – £34,876 (London roles include uplift)
• Guaranteed employment for at least 2 years
• Opportunities for progression
• Level 4 Procurement & Supply Chain Practitioner Apprenticeship
• Benefits to working in the NHS – a career in the NHS has a lot to offer, not only is it a rewarding place to work, you will also enjoy one of the most competitive and flexible benefits packages offered by any employer in the UK.
• 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 2026.