Commercial Assistant Apprentice - Level 3

This is an exciting opportunity to join Thames Water as a Commercial Assistant Apprentice. You will be learning the construction of market strategies to get the best value for money goods and services into Thames Water and so much more.
Our over-arching diversity and inclusion aim is to ensure Thames Water is a diverse and inclusive place to work. We encourage applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process.

Start date: 1st September
Base Location: Hybrid- Clearwater Court, Vastern Rd, Reading RG1 8DB
Working hours: 36 hours Monday- Friday
Programme Length: 18-24 months
Training provider details: APA Procurement Training, Anchor Business Centre, Frankland Rd, Swindon SN5 8YZ

Qualification you will obtain: By the end of the apprenticeship, you will have achieved Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Information Apprenticeship Standard including CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate.

Entry Requirements: A minimum of two GCSEs at grade 4 or above (A*-C), in Maths and English OR functional skills level 2 in Maths and English.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your grades yet, if you are due to sit your exams this year, we still want to hear from you if your predicted grades meet our requirements.

Application Process:
Step one: Click apply and you will be asked to complete a short online application where we ask basic information about yourself, your current qualifications/ predicted grades and why you want to apply for this apprenticeship. (we do not ask for CV’s at this stage).

Step two: You will be sent a short online assessment please make sure you are in a quiet environment and have given yourself enough time to complete it.

Step three: You will be sent a link to book onto a telephone screening call with a member of our Resourcing Team this is an opportunity for us to get to know you better and ask you some questions.

Step 4: If you are successful in our screening process you will be invited to an in person assessment which will include a group exercise and a competency based interview.

Assessment Centre Dates– Assessments will be held in April and you will be invited for a morning or afternoon session.

If you need additional support at any stage of the application process then please let us know by contacting  EarlyCareers@thameswater.co.uk

What you’ll be doing as a Commercial Assistant Apprentice
You will be working across the Procurement Teams during the apprenticeship and will have two placements, one within Capital Delivery and one within non-Capital delivery teams.

• Understanding internal stakeholder requirements in the short, medium and long term
• Understanding the external supply market, what it can offer and what new innovations or improvements can be delivered
• Construction of market strategies to get the best value for money goods and services into Thames
• Creation and delivery of compliant sourcing exercises to select new suppliers
• Negotiation and deal closure
• Contract and Supplier management of supply relationships

About the Apprenticeship programme

• You will have achieved Level 3 Procurement and Supply Assistant Information Apprenticeship Standard including CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate.

What you should bring to the role  

• Have a real drive and motivation to manage your learning and working life.
• Be a logical thinker and have a passion for technology and finding out how things work.
• Be focused, well organised, have excellent time management skills and have the dedication to succeed.
• Have great teamwork skills but also be able to work independently, putting customers at the heart of everything you do.
• Communicate effectively and be able to challenge when a problem arises.
• Be a champion for Health & Safety within the workplace for both you and your colleagues, helping us maintain our great reputation.
• Be ready to apply everything you learn in your day-to-day role and any projects outside of this.

Why become an Apprentice at Thames Water?
We are offering training, qualifications, real-life experience and the opportunity to "Earn while you learn” on top of

• Competitive starting salary of £21,500 per annum.
• Annual Leave: 24 days holiday increasing to 28 days with length of service (Plus bank holidays)
• Contributory pension – Defined Contribution - Maximum of 12% -2x employee contribution.
• Personal Medical Assessments – Open to all once a year.
• GymPass: a free fitness plan and access to several wellbeing apps for you and up to three family members.
• Cycle to work scheme: always on and up to 3k, save money, get fit and help protect the environment.
• Personal medical assessments (MOT’s): open to all, carried out in the workplace by fully trained medical professionals.
• Wider benefits scheme including our benefits hub, which is packed full of offers and information to save you money and support your wellbeing.

Who are we?
We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water
Thames Water is a unique, rewarding and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy fast-tracked career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
Whether you’re interested in a role in one of our call centres or science labs, we’re looking for people like you with real passion and a burning desire to make things better.

So, if you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region and our planet.

The real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family. Why choose us? Learn more.

Our overarching aim is to ensure that Thames Water is a great, diverse and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and offer extra support for those who need it throughout the recruitment process. We aim to remove any real or perceived barriers to success, so if you need assistance, we’re here to help and support you.

When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business, meet colleagues and earn some extra money along the way.

Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.