Procurement Apprenticeship

Procurement Level 4 Apprenticeship 

£24,558 

Start date: September 2027 

Location: Thorpe Wood House, Peterborough. Please note this role may take you to some locations across the region, so some flexibility is essential. Your base location will be Thorpe Wood House and we offer a flexible hybrid working approach, with the opportunity to work from home up to 1-2 days per week where business needs allow. 

Application Process:  As part of your application, you’ll need to upload a cover letter explaining why you’re interested in this specific apprenticeship and Anglian Water.  We want to hear about your own motivations, interests and experiences, so please make your cover letter personal and written in your own voice. AI tools can be useful for checking or improving your work, but your cover letter shouldn’t be heavily reliant on AI-generated content. Your cover letter will form an important part of our assessment of your application, and unfortunately, we won’t be able to consider applications submitted without one. 

Help shape the future of water, the environment and the communities we serve   

With a current investment plan worth over £11 billion, we're building for better — for you, for the communities we serve, for our environment. As part of this we are looking for candidates to join Anglian Water's Degree Apprentice Programme and tackle some of the biggest environmental and infrastructure challenges facing the region. From climate resilience and major engineering projects to digital innovation and customer experience, you'll develop the skills, experience and support needed to become one of our future leaders or specialists. 

Your programme: 

During this two year apprenticeship, you will work towards Full Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 Standard 

Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). 

 You will be supported by your manager, workplace mentor, Early Careers Partner and training provider throughout your apprenticeship. 

The work of procurement and supply chain professionals includes the process of procurement, or buying goods and services; however, these roles can be much broader than just procurement.  

The Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 will enable you to use your breadth and depth of experience to position themselves as a fully effective commercially skilled professional. 

Training provider or university: To be confirmed 

Study pattern: To be confirmed  

Programme length: Two years  

Qualification:  Full Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 Standard 

Procurement and Supply Chain Practitioner Level 4 with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). 

What you'll be doing   

Ever wondered how we choose the suppliers, equipment and services that keep water flowing? Working within Commercial Procurement, you’ll discover that buying is about much more than price. It’s about understanding what our business needs, finding the right suppliers and making decisions that deliver value for our customers, protect the environment and keep vital services running. 

You’ll learn alongside experienced colleagues and contribute to real procurement projects. From equipment used at our treatment works to construction, vehicles and digital technology, you could help source the goods and services that support Anglian Water’s day-to-day operations and future investment. 

What you could be involved with:  

·   Exploring markets and finding suppliers: researching products, services and new ideas, helping us understand what suppliers can offer and how they could meet our needs. 

·  Supporting tenders and commercial decisions: helping prepare requests for quotes and tenders, compare supplier proposals and support negotiations that balance cost, quality, safety and sustainability. 

·  Working with people across the business: getting to know what operational, engineering and support teams need, and helping turn those requirements into clear plans for buying goods and services. 

·  Building supplier relationships: supporting supplier meetings, tracking actions and reviewing how contracts are performing to help keep services reliable and resolve issues. 

·  Making responsible buying choices: helping explore opportunities to reduce carbon and waste, source ethically and create benefits for local communities through our supply chain. 

·  Using data and digital tools: analysing spending, identifying opportunities to improve value and using procurement systems to make buying simpler and more effective. 

You won’t be expected to know it all from day one. With support, you’ll build your confidence, develop your commercial judgement and take on more responsibility as your skills grow. It’s an opportunity to put your curiosity and problem-solving skills to work, see the impact of your contribution and build a career in procurement and supply chain. 

What you will bring 

We are looking for people who are curious, ambitious and ready to learn. Individuals who enjoy solving problems, working collaboratively and bringing different perspectives to the challenges we face. Most importantly, we're looking for apprentices who want to help shape the future of water while developing a successful and rewarding career of their own.  

For this role you will need:  

•  Require 5 GCSEs, including Maths and English 

• Hold a level 3 in Procurement and Supply or have at least 2 years industry experience   

High level of self-motivation and willingness to learn. 

Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and good communication skills. 

Organised, flexible, and able to manage time effectively. 

Benefits of joining Anglian Water 

Starting your career brings exciting opportunities and new responsibilities. That's why we provide access to Stream, a financial wellbeing platform designed to help you make the most of your money. From workplace savings and budgeting tools to financial education, rewards and cashback offers, you'll have access to practical support that helps you build strong financial habits from day one. 

Alongside this we offer a competitive salary, you'll receive a comprehensive health and wellbeing package, private healthcare, 26 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, and a double-matched pension scheme with up to 21% total contribution. We also offer an excellent family leave package, including enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave, helping you balance your career with the moments that matter most. 

Closing date: 15th November 2026  

Next Steps: If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to attend an in-person assessment centre on 11th December at Lancaster House office in Huntingdon. 

Right to Work in the UK: To be considered for this role, you must already have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of the programme. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.