2026 Procurement Higher Apprentice Midlands (Warwick), UK Procurement

About the role

Join our 24-month Higher Apprentice Programme and work with our high-performing teams to source the right supplies, at the right price, and at the right time! As a Procurement Higher Apprentice at National Grid, you'll help us purchase goods, services, and works to keep our operations running smoothly. You'll be part of a dynamic team responsible for strategic direction, sourcing activities, negotiation, and selection of goods and services. As a FTSE 100 Global company operating in both the UK and the US, you'll have the opportunity to collaborate with global suppliers and colleagues from different regions. You'll play a crucial role in developing category strategies, identifying business needs, qualifying the supply chain, analysing proposals, negotiating with suppliers, and managing contracts. Your ultimate responsibility will be to set up a supply chain that enables successful delivery for National Grid. Whilst on the programme, you'll work towards earning your CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, a respected and recognised professional qualification in the field.

National Grid is committed to working towards Net Zero and as a Procurement Higher Apprentice, you can support this by setting the framework for sourcing sustainable goods and services. We are also committed to our people and are looking for individuals who are passionate about their long-term development and can see their career at the heart of the energy future.

Here is an insight into some of the key responsibilities you'll have while you're on the programme:

• Supporting the creation and ongoing management of category strategies.
• Inputting into end-to-end strategic sourcing processes, to secure the goods & services the business needs to maintain effective operation.
• Engaging and managing both internal and external stakeholders to ensure procurement activities are aligned to business needs / priorities.
• Managing suppliers, working collaboratively to ensure a mutually beneficial and effective relationship.
• Collating and analysing data, including market research, supplier performance, external factors, business demand etc.

Location

These roles are based in Warwick. We offer flexible, hybrid working.

About you

You will be engaging with multiple business units in running full Strategic Sourcing Events through to contract award, executing requirements on a framework of approved suppliers and helping develop categories and deliver strategic direction. Let's explore the skills that will help you be successful in this role:

You're a strong communicator: Who can articulate effectively to a range of audiences for a variety of purposes and contribute in a positive and collaborative manner to achieving common goals. You're able to build strong, mutually beneficial relationships, engage in a professional manner and possess strong leadership and influencing skills.

You're an effective problem-solver: Who has the ability to apply critical, creative and evidence-based thinking to develop innovative strategies to meet business needs and deliver long term value.

You're self-aware and reflective: Who is flexible and resilient and has the capacity to accept and give constructive feedback whilst always acting with integrity and taking responsibility for your actions.

You're commercially minded: Who can use their initiative and influence to deliver commercial benefit to an organization and can weigh up multiple options, articulate each option and make recommendations to the business unit.

You're organised and can plan: You're able to effectively manage your time, able to prioritise, can balance the needs of multiple projects and is competent in use of project management tools.

Entry Requirements

Two A-Levels (or equivalents) graded C or above

GCSE English Language and Maths graded at level 4 (C) or above. Functional Skills Level 2 is also acceptable

You'll also ideally have a valid full UK Driving Licence, but this is not mandatory.

What you'll get

We are proud to offer a starting salary of £31,310.

As your first step into the energy industry, our programmes provide a unique experience. You'll gain invaluable insights into how we operate at National Grid and discover the exciting career opportunities that await you. In addition, you'll enjoy a range of rewards and benefits, including:

• 26 days of annual leave plus statutory holidays
• Pension scheme and Sharesave options
• Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply with the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
• Earning while you learn through our Higher Apprenticeship Programme

About National Grid

National Grid is at the heart of the energy future, and our people are at the heart of National Grid. We're 30,000 colleagues strong. In the UK, National Grid doesn't generate or sell energy - we join the dots to get energy from A to B. From making a cup of tea in the morning, to keeping the lights on in hospitals, our electricity network puts power in the hands of people. Without it, the world as we know it would grind to a halt.

The world of energy is changing beyond recognition as we focus on building a cleaner, greener future. Working at National Grid, you won't just be touching the lives of almost everyone in the UK - you'll be shaping the way we use and consume energy for generations to come.

Our Values and Principles

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of who we are and what we do. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any adjustments that you require.

Further Information

You can only apply for one Apprenticeship opportunity during this recruitment cycle.

We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close our vacancies once we have enough applications/based on volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as early as possible to ensure you obtain the place you want in the application process.

Assessment centres will be held between January - April 2026.

National Grid's Apprenticeship programme in the UK is open to all applicants who meet the eligibility criteria including an existing and valid right to work in the UK. As part of the application process this will need to be evidenced and verified before you can start the programme.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin

Please be aware that it's your responsibility to explore avenues of working in the UK, as we're not able to provide advice on this.

For information about visas please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas