Procurement & Commercial Services Graduate

Are you looking for a career like no other? Yes! Then the South Wales Police Graduate Programme is an excellent opportunity for ambitious graduates who want to develop a career in procurement and policing. The 2 year programme will give you excellent opportunities to join a specialist department and gain work experience in your chosen field whilst building on your academic achievements.

In joining #TeamSWP you will be working within a leading force where you will work in an environment which is challenging and rewarding in equal measure.

You can be confident that throughout your graduate programme you will be supported by a great team who will encourage you to fulfil your potential.

This is a unique opportunity to join our Commercial and Procurement Team, supporting South Wales and Gwent Police forces, with a chance to gain hands-on experience across a range of areas.

Becoming part of #TeamSWP will offer you a unique learning experience where you will contribute to real life projects in a complex and diverse environment. We value individuality and encourage new ideas and creativity that will contribute to our success as a force and make a difference to society. We are looking for people with diverse skills and experiences who are innovative, driven, ambitious and above all, talented individuals who aspire to be our leaders of the future and wish to join our successful team.

Our graduate programme is paid and is for a period of two years long starting in September. It is suited to final year University students due to complete their course this year (with a predicted grade of 2:1 or above) or alternatively those who have graduated within three years with a 2:1 or above. At the end of the 2 years, there is also an opportunity to become a permanent employee of South Wales Police, subject to your fulfilling the necessary criteria.

There are numerous benefits to working for South Wales Police, from learning and development opportunities to schemes which aim to improve your lifestyle and wellbeing, as well as generous Local Government Pension Scheme / Police Pension Schemes, paid annual leave, flexible working and family friendly policies and many more, click here for more information.

Please note to be eligible for the SWP Graduate Programme you must:

Currently be studying on a degree course or have graduated within three years.
Be a British Citizen, citizen from the European Economic Area (EEA), Commonwealth citizen or foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom.
Not have previously completed a graduate programme with South Wales Police

About the team/Department you will be joining:

We are a joint team working across two sites at South Wales Police and Gwent Police to deliver commercial benefits and provide a flexible procurement function to meet the current and future needs of both forces.
Our 2023/24 spend exceeded £110 million across a wide range of goods and services categories. Our emphasis is on value for money, influencing the complete procurement lifecycle. Responsible procurement, sustainability and social value have a strong focus.
You will work closely with the strategic team, reporting to the Senior Management Team and have opportunity to make a real difference and play a key role in delivering our aims.
In addition to the support of your peers, your line manager will provide you with general support and guidance and pay a role in developing and supporting you throughout your professional studies. A buddy will help ease you into your new role as well as providing on-going informal support and being a starting point for general queries.

About the role and your key responsibilities:

The successful candidate will contribute positively to the strategic procurement team, undertaking work related to procurement processes, sourcing, supporting the requirements of procurement legislation, contract management, responsible procurement, general administrative tasks, support to client departments and will offer support in the delivery of a professional and robust procurement service.
In addition, you will develop technical skills via a funded internationally recognised procurement qualification.

What skills and experience do we need you to bring to the role:

An interest in Procurement and dedication to build a career in police procurement
The ability to work as part of a team and to develop contacts and build relationships. Excellent numerical, written, digital, communication and presentation skills, computer literate and proficient in Microsoft applications.
Well organised and the ability to manage multiple tasks and assess priorities
Ability to collect, compile, process, analyse and present information with appropriate content to the audience
Able to show excellent attention to detail whilst being able to see the bigger picture
Ability to support, demonstrate and uphold the values of the police service
Able to demonstrate motivation and commitment to studying towards the identified qualification(s)
A working knowledge of public procurement legislation, the delivery of value for money and supplier relationship management would be an advantage.

The post-holder will benefit from smarter working policies, with a mixture of home working and working in South Wales Police HQ, with occasional travel to Gwent Police.

If you would like any more information about the role, please contact Sian Freeman, Head of Commercial Services at sian.freeman@south-wales.police.uk

Please complete the application, ensuring you only complete the sections marked at the end of the role profile as these will be used for shortlisting.
In addition, please submit a personal statement to support your application, evidencing your interest in a career in public procurement and focussing on any relevant experience and skills you will bring to the role. (word limit 1000 words).

Shortlisting for this vacancy will take place on week commencing the 17th February.

Interviews for this vacancy will take place on week commencing the 17th March.

We anticipate a large volume of applications for this graduate placement as such we reserve the right to close the vacancy when a sufficient number of applications are received.

This role is due to close on 31st January, 2025 - apply today and join Team SWP!

First time applying for a role with South Wales Police? Be sure to read our application guidance for some hints and tips around the application form and what to expect, click here for more information. Please note the successful candidate must be willing to undergo vetting to the required level.