Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Contents

• Location
• About the job
• Benefits
• Things you need to know
• Apply and further information

About the job

Job summary

Within Defra group we have a very clear mission. Our purpose is to restore and enhance the environment for current and future generations by making our air purer, our water cleaner, our land greener and our food more sustainable.

If you are equally passionate about protecting our environment but also want a rewarding career, then an apprenticeship within Defra could provide the opportunity you are seeking.

About the Job:

We have an apprenticeship vacancy for an Assistant Commercial Officer in any one of the locations listed above.

This is a permanent position and a great development opportunity for an individual with an interest in business to undertake a two-year Level 4 apprenticeship in as part of their role. After the two years, you will be a permanent member of staff at Executive Officer (EO) grade. 

This will encompass the entire procurement cycle including pre- procurement and early market engagement, sourcing and contract agreements and supplier and category management. It will give you the skills and practical experiences needed to obtain a Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply.

The apprenticeship is fully funded and will be completed within your normal working hours. Following successful completion of the apprenticeship your salary will be increased to a minimum of £25,915 (National) and your employment will continue with us. We will also continue to support your personal and professional development.

We have an apprenticeship vacancy for an Assistant Commercial Officer in any one of the locations listed above. 

Job description

As an Assistant Commercial Officer you will be assisting internal customers to deliver value effectively and innovatively, and within budget.

As you progress through the apprenticeship and grow within the role you will develop the skills to:

• Manage customer queries coming into the team.
• Advise on commercial policies and procedures and provide advice to the business on commercial issues and governance.
• Monitor and update information on commercial and contract management IT systems and conduct regular reviews to ensure that information is stored accurately and is up to date.
• Assist senior Commercial colleagues by providing administrative support on more complex procurements.

You will be exposed to the entire procurement cycle including pre- procurement and early market engagement, sourcing and contract agreements and supplier and category management.

You will be sitting within the Corporate Services category covers a whole array of goods and services to enable Defra group to function. These include Contingent Labour, Training, Consultancy and Corporate Solutions such as Fleet Services, Travel, Venues, hotels, Courier Services, PPE and Stationery. 

Person specification

We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (B.A.M.E) people, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

So irrespective of your age or background, if you share our passion and enthusiasm for the work we do, we would love to hear from you.

No previous experience in procurement is required as this apprenticeship will provide you with the necessary core skills, knowledge and behaviours to build a long term career with us.

However we are looking for someone who:

• Has a keen interest in business.
• Is self-motivated and organised.
• Is confident talking to people face to face and on the phone.
• Enjoys working in a team and building relationships.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others

Benefits

Pension and financial benefits:

• Your pension is a valuable part of your total reward package there are various options including Alpha and Partnership pension schemes in which Defra can invests in providing a contribution to the cost of your pension
• Life assurance: if you become too ill or die before retirements valuable benefits will be provided to you and your family
• Offering 25 days annual leave (rising up to 30 days over 5 years) for new entrants to the Civil Service and retaining existing arrangements for current Civil Servants
• End of year Performance Awards and Staff Recognition Schemes
• Cycle to work scheme and season free ticket loan to support travel to work

Learning and development:

• Access to five days of learning and development each year to support professional development through Civil Service Learning, Apprenticeships and on the job development (shadowing, coaching, working with project teams) and talent management programmes
• Corporate induction and three days special leave for volunteering

Staff wellbeing:

• Access to Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health Service and the Civil Service Sports Council
• Flexible working, scope for working at home and compressed hours

Blended Working:

Defra operates a blended working policy subject to business need, giving people the flexibility to choose when and where they work and collaborate with others.

Individuals are expected to work from one of the office locations stated in the advert to connect with their colleagues, as required by their role and business team needs. There is flexibility to split the working week, spending minimum of 40-60% in the workplace, unless exceptional circumstances apply and/or you are a contractual home worker.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Pippa Hicks
• Email : pippa.hicks@environment-agency.gov.uk

Recruitment team :

• Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Further information

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact:

Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission

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