MOD Procurement and Contract Management

MOD Procurement and Contract Management - Graduate Programme 

£24,663

Full-Time 

Location: UK (Across the UK including the South West, South East, London, West Midlands and Scotland)

If you're considering a career in Procurement and Contract Management, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) offers a challenging opportunity like no other. The portfolio of MOD's business is unique.  

We acquire and support an extensive range of equipment, services and infrastructure to support the Armed Forces; from food ration packs and desert boots, to aircraft carriers and helicopters, and everything in between. And it doesn't stop there.  

Much of the equipment we purchase isn't off-the-shelf so an essential part of the job is negotiating the details of the contracts we place, agreeing the terms of delivery and managing the equipment into service and beyond.

This unique mix of Purchasing and Contract Management makes up the MOD's "Commercial" Function and we are seeking the next intake for our Defence Commercial Graduate Programme (DCGP). 

The Programme: 

You will complete a fixed 2 year programme in a range of Procurement and Contract Management roles across different areas of the MOD. After 2 years you will be offered the opportunity to be promoted (subject to meeting the requirements of the programme) and posted into a professional commercial post.

Beyond this you will be supported during the next phase of your Commercial Career as you aim towards roles in the senior leadership team.

You will join the Department during Autumn 2017 (subject to security clearance). Upon joining, you will complete a 1 week induction course at Abbey Wood in Bristol.  You will then embark on your MOD specific training and internationally recognised professional studies towards achieving MCIPS with the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS). 

Alongside this you will work in a variety of placements, typically 6 months' duration, across various organisations within the MOD, including the Front Line Commands (FLCs) and the Head Office and Corporate Services (HOCS) and the Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organisations, to provide you with practical experience of procurement and contract management roles. Whilst the majority of placements will be at Abbey Wood in Bristol, you will be expected to undertake at least one placement elsewhere in the UK whilst on the programme.

Day-to-day, your placements will provide the opportunity to learn about all aspects of Procurement and Contract Management; and you will be provided with real experience in: 

• Developing appropriate contracting methods and strategies 
• Agreeing and evaluating tenders against specifications 
• Negotiating with industry including pricing and payment considerations 
• European Union Procurement and Intellectual Property Law 
• Supplier relations and contract management 
• Risk mitigation and management 

Throughout your time on the programme you will receive ongoing support from the Graduate Programme team, your placement line managers, experienced Mentors, and past and present Programme members. 

Person Specification

We are seeking individuals who: 

• Enjoy solving complex problems and can deliver clear and effective solutions 
• Can understand the bigger picture whilst dealing with the essential detail 
• Have high standards of written and verbal communication 
• Are keen on embracing change 
• Are willing to share information, knowledge and skills 
• Have a strong focus on meeting customer requirements  
• Are keen to seek out new opportunities for learning, self-development and career development 
• Are prepared to commit to a 2 year development programme

Qualifications

Candidates must have, or be studying for, a degree in any subject, and be on track to achieve a 2:1 or above by July 21st 2017.

If applying on a part time basis, please be aware that there is substantial study and residential training commitment on the programme. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Please note that the online application process requires you to include a CV which must include details of your educational qualifications (and predicted grades if relevant).