This position will initially be based from home, in line with current government guidance with an expectation of being home based for the foreseeable future. However, if / when government guidelines change the role may then revert to being office based, whilst retaining some flexible working options.

The Procurement function within ECC is looking for the senior leaders of the future. Our graduate programme will equip you with the skills and experience necessary to become a qualified Procurement professional and put you on the path to the most senior roles in the public sector.

You will undertake a comprehensive programme of training and development, through individually planned placements within the Procurement Department over a two-year period to gain a broad knowledge of procurement practice and gain valuable insight. The role will require successful study for a professional procurement qualification, with the expectation that the second stage of the relevant qualification will be completed within a two-year time frame.

To be considered for this role you must have:

• Minimum 2:1 degree in any discipline (or equivalent qualification), or be expecting to graduate at this level by summer 2021.
• Working knowledge and understanding of Microsoft office packages.
• Ability to contribute to proposals and decisions.
• Ability to work cooperatively with others to successfully achieve tasks and deliver results.
• Willing to assist in developing solutions to tackle problems and achieving outcomes.
• Ability to build relationships with others, both internally and externally to the organisation.Willing to study toward MCIPS accreditation, achieving the first two levels within the two year graduate scheme.

You will receive a comprehensive package of benefits with all training fees, professional memberships and expenses paid for, paid time off for study and exams. We also offer and encourage genuinely flexible working as standard so that you can achieve the right work/life balance.

We are also currently recruiting for our Finance Graduate Scheme so please do take a moment to review the opportunity too

At Essex County Council, we think our Graduate Procurement Trainees can do all of this and much more which is why are looking for the next generation of highly capable, ambitious and confident graduates to join our graduate training programme.

As well as working for one of the biggest local authorities in the country and contributing to some of the most ambitious and innovative programmes nationally, you will also be taking the first steps on a career that could take you to some of the most senior level jobs in the public sector (we have an excellent track record in Essex of our staff progressing on to leadership positions).

As part of employment with Essex County Council (ECC) should your role require a DBS check you will be required to register with the DBS update service. The DBS update service ensures all registered DBS certificates are kept up to date and allows authorised parties to view the status of your certificate. This is an annual subscription and you will be responsible for ensuring this is maintained. For further information on the DBS update service please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service.

Essex County Council is proud to offer an excellent benefits package to all its employees. More information can be found on https://www.workingforessex.com/working-here/pay-reward/

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Entry to Work Team on 0333 013 5888